Porous organic material-based atomically dispersed metal electrocatalysts

Abstract

The transition to renewable energy sources and the need for efficient energy conversion technologies have led to the development of various types of catalysts, among which atomically dispersed metal catalysts (ADMCs) supported by porous organic materials (POMs) have attracted attention for their high catalytic efficiency and stability. This review focuses on the development and application of ADMCs supported by POMs, such as MOFs, COFs, and HOFs, which offer catalytic performance due to their high atomic utilization, stability, and selectivity. This paper systematically explores various strategies for synthesizing ADMCs, including the use of organic linkers, metal nodes, and pore spaces within POMs to stabilize metal atoms and prevent aggregation. Key applications highlighted include energy conversion and storage technologies, such as fuel cells, water splitting, CO₂ reduction and nitrogen reduction, where ADMCs demonstrate the potential to replace noble metals. Despite the progress, challenges remain in achieving high metal loading, long-term stability, and cost-effective large-scale production. This study underscores the importance of advanced characterization techniques and computational models to deepen the understanding of ADMCs’ catalytic mechanisms and guide future material design, paving the way for their broader application in sustainable energy technologies.