Unlocking the two electron ORR: Synergistic roles of MOFs and COFs in mechanistic insights and performance optimization

The electrocatalytic two-electron oxygen reduction reaction(ORR) has attracted considerable interest as a potential reserve to the traditional anthraquinone method for producing hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). Advancing this approach requires the development of highly optimized electrocatalysts with superior activity, specificity, selectivity and H₂O₂ production rates. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs) embodies an innovative category of crystalline porous materials characterized by high specific surface areas, structural tunability, and uniformly distributed, well-defined metal sites. These attributes make MOFs and COFs excellent candidates for high-performance electrocatalysis. Within this review, we present recent progress in designing MOF and COF-based 2e-ORR electrocatalysts for H₂O₂ production. We begin by introducing the electrocatalytic mechanism and the methods used to evaluate the performance of the 2e-ORR, followed by a summary of MOF and COF-based 2e-ORR electrocatalysts, discussing structure–property relationships. Finally, we offer insights into potential approaches for advancing this emerging field further.