Template-Directed Growth of Well-Aligned MOF Arrays and Derived Self-Supporting Electrodes for Water Splitting

The conversion of traditional metal-organic framework (MOF) nanocrystals to self-supporting and well-aligned MOF superstructures is highly desired for diverse functional applications but remains a significant challenge. In this work, we develop a versatile strategy for the controllable synthesis of three-dimensional MOF hybrid arrays by utilizing semiconducting nanostructures as self-sacrificing templates. Typically, different MOF nanorod or nanowall arrays on various substrates have been successfully fabricated. Particularly, MOF-hybrid-array-derived carbon-based composites with well-aligned hierarchical morphology and self-supporting structure can be directly applied to both anodes and cathodes for water splitting. They exhibit excellent electrocatalytic performance and are superior to the pristine semiconducting arrays, as well as other MOF-based counterparts. This work provides a strategy for the rational assembly of well-aligned MOF arrays on various substrates, which could serve as a promising platform for diverse applications.