Exploring advanced oxygen reduction reaction electrocatalysts: the potential of metal‐free and non‐pyrolyzed covalent organic frameworks

Abstract

Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysis is an area of increasing interest for the <jats:italic>in‐situ</jats:italic> production of H<jats:sub>2</jats:sub>O<jats:sub>2</jats:sub> or the development of energy‐related devices such as hydrogen fuel cells. Although pyrolyzed catalysts still offer the best performances to date with reference to the organic‐based catalysts, metal‐free and non‐pyrolyzed covalent organic frameworks (COFs) stands out as promising alternatives candidates due to their favourable characteristics such as crystallinity, porosity, and organic composition, allowing the study of structural‐property relationships. Herein, we present the design principles and recent advances in COFs‐based ORR electrocatalysts, demonstrating how composition influences the activity and electronic pathway of the oxygen reduction process.