Recent breakthroughs in sulfide-functionalized metal–organic frameworks for electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction and hydrogen evolution reactions and their life cycle assessment

Global warming driven by greenhouse gas emissions is one of the most critical environmental challenges of the modern era. Electrocatalytic CO₂ conversion into valuable eco-friendly fuels and chemicals, along with water splitting for sustainable hydrogen production, are crucial technologies. They offer promising pathways for alternative energy storage and reducing environmental impact. Among various catalyst systems, sulfide-functionalized metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and their derivatives have emerged as high-efficiency electrocatalysts owing to their tunable structures and the presence of active sites. This review consolidates recent findings on the electrocatalytic performances of these materials in the electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction reaction and the hydrogen evolution reaction. In addition, the life cycle assessment of MOFs in catalytic applications is explored, and the environmental benefits of hydrogen production via water electrolysis are highlighted. Finally, the key challenges, opportunities, and future directions for the development and scalability of MOF-based electrocatalysts as low-carbon energy solutions are discussed.