Electrocatalytic Porphyrin/Phthalocyanine‐Based Organic Frameworks: Building Blocks, Coordination Microenvironments, Structure‐Performance Relationships

Abstract

Abstract Metal‐porphyrins or metal‐phthalocyanines‐based organic frameworks (POFs), an emerging family of metal‐N‐C materials, have attracted widespread interest for application in electrocatalysis due to their unique metal‐N4 coordination structure, high conjugated π‐electron system, tunable components, and chemical stability. The key challenges of POFs as high‐performance electrocatalysts are the need for rational design for porphyrins/phthalocyanines building blocks and an in‐depth understanding of structure–activity relationships. Herein, the synthesis methods, the catalytic activity modulation principles, and the electrocatalytic behaviors of 2D/3D POFs are summarized. Notably, detailed pathways are given for modulating the intrinsic activity of the M‐N4 site by the microenvironments, including central metal ions, substituent groups, and heteroatom dopants. Meanwhile, the topology tuning and hybrid system, which affect the conjugation network or conductivity of POFs, are also considered. Furthermore, the representative electrocatalytic applications of structured POFs in efficient and environmental‐friendly energy conversion areas, such as carbon dioxide reduction reaction, oxygen reduction reaction, and water splitting are briefly discussed. Overall, this comprehensive review focusing on the frontier will provide multidisciplinary and multi‐perspective guidance for the subsequent experimental and theoretical progress of POFs and reveal their key challenges and application prospects in future electrocatalytic energy conversion systems.

Keywords

• coordination microenvironment
• covalent organic frameworks
• electrocatalytic applications
• metal–organic frameworks
• porphyrin and phthalocyanine