MOF-DERIVED TRANSITION METAL CATALYSTS FOR HYDROGEN EVOLUTION AND OXYGEN EVOLUTION REACTIONS IN WATER SPLITTING

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable energy technologies has intensified the search for efficient and cost-effective electro catalysts for water splitting, particularly for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Conventional noble metal catalysts, despite their excellent catalytic performance, are constrained by high cost, limited availability, and long-term sustainability concerns. This challenge necessitates the development of alternative catalyst materials capable of delivering high efficiency at lower economic and environmental costs. This study investigates the potential of metal-organic framework (MOF)-derived transition metal catalysts for HER and OER applications in water-splitting systems. The study is guided by the theoretical lens of electro catalytic surface engineering, which emphasizes the relationship between catalyst morphology, active-site density, electronic structure, and electrochemical performance. A qualitative systematic review methodology was employed using secondary data sources, including peer-reviewed journal articles, review papers, conference proceedings, and technical reports retrieved from major scientific databases. The dataset comprised recent studies focusing on MOF-derived nickel-, cobalt-, iron-, copper-, and bimetal-based catalysts. The findings indicate that MOF-derived catalysts possess high porosity, large specific surface areas, enhanced conductivity, and abundant catalytic active sites, resulting in superior electro catalytic performance. Reported results demonstrate reduced over potentials, lower Tafel slopes, faster reaction kinetics, and improved operational durability compared with many conventional non-precious metal catalysts. Measurable outcomes include enhanced hydrogen generation efficiency, improved oxygen evolution activity, and long-term electrochemical stability, highlighting the potential of MOF-derived transition metal catalysts for scalable and economically viable green hydrogen production. The study contributes to advancing sustainable energy conversion technologies and next-generation water-splitting systems.