Role of MOFs as single-atom catalysts

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with highly unique structural, geometric, and electronic properties exhibit unexpected catalytic activity specifically as heterogeneous catalysts and single-atom catalysts (SACs) for different chemical reactions. Also, the specific nature of atomic dispersion and isolation of chemical functional groups in MOFs and their derivatives stabilize the SACs with high atomic isolation. Recently, MOFs have been considered as self-assembled molecular catalysts; specific strategies during the rational design can provide them with certain functionalities to meet the needs of catalytic reactions. Here, we provide a sketch about the role of MOFs for development of SACs. Furthermore, we summarize different reported potential approaches to construct MOFs as SACs. Additionally a series of different studies have been briefly discussed for successful applications of MOFs in photocatalytic and electrocatalytic reactions by taking advantage of structural properties of MOFs. Finally, we provide the readers some foresighted perspectives and ideas as predictions of future prospects of MOF-based SACs.