Metal–organic frameworks-derived heteroatom-doped carbon electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction

The development of stable, adequate, and cost-effective catalysts to meet current fuel cell requirements is urgent in the face of ever-intensifying energy demands. Heteroatom-doped carbons are promising non-noble metal-based catalysts expected to replace or reduce platinum consumption required for the electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are rapidly evolving as porous functional materials owing to their high surface area, permanent porosity, and diverse structure, thus rendering their derivatives suitable potential catalysts for electrocatalysis. Herein, we systematically reviewed the latest advances in the design and synthesis of MOF-derived heteroatom-doped carbons, which were further divided into metal-free and metal-containing materials to identify the effects of component manipulation, morphological control, and structural engineering on their ORR performance. Additionally, future challenges and research directions for MOF-derived heteroatom-doped carbon electrocatalysts are proposed. [Display omitted] •Recent advances in MOF-derived heteroatom-doped carbons for ORR are discussed.•Rarely involved halogen-doped carbons in earlier studies are summarized.•Challenges and perspectives on MOF-based materials for catalysis are outlined.