Electrifying solutions: MOFs and multi-metal nanomaterials for sustainable methanol electro-oxidation and CO2 reduction

Abstract

The global energy crisis and the urgent need to mitigate carbon emissions have spurred intensive research into sustainable energy sources and efficient catalytic systems. This review integrates recent advancements in two key areas: electrocatalytic methanol oxidation and CO₂ reduction to methanol, leveraging metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and multi-metal nanomaterials. Despite methanol's effectiveness as an energy source, its electro-oxidation requires highly active electrocatalysts. Recent studies have highlighted the superior performance of MOF-based materials, especially when combined with multiple metals, in enhancing the electrocatalytic oxidation of methanol. Downsizing components further boosts MOF activity, while the addition of carbon-containing supports like graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) improves catalytic capabilities through increased surface area and enhanced dispersion of active materials. Similarly, the electrocatalytic reduction of CO₂ to methanol using MOFs has gained traction due to their simplicity, large surface area, and unique structural properties. This review addresses the challenges of selective and efficient CO₂ electroreduction, proposing avenues to enhance MOF-based electrocatalysts for methanol production. Strategies include the development of novel MOFs with improved conductivity, chemical durability, and catalytic efficiency. Furthermore, exploration of multi-metal nanomaterials, including tri and tetra-metals, holds promise for advancing electrodes tailored for electrochemical methanol oxidation. By synergistically leveraging MOFs and multi-metal nanomaterials, this review underscores their pivotal roles in addressing energy scarcity and climate change while advancing the field of electrocatalysis towards sustainable methanol oxidation.