Mapping the Research Landscape of Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIFs) for Hydrogen Production: Structural Modelling and Bibliometric Analysis

Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks (ZIFs) have gained significant attention as potential catalysts for the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER), a critical process in sustainable hydrogen production. This review offers an in-depth examination of ZIFs, emphasizing how their structural versatility—through the selection of metal centers and organic linkers—directly impacts HER efficiency. We analyze key ZIF-based catalysts, highlighting their performance in terms of electron transfer, active site exposure, and stability under reaction conditions. A bibliometric analysis tracks the growth of research in this domain, revealing collaboration networks and identifying the most influential studies driving innovation. By mapping the research landscape, we uncover trends, challenges, and emerging areas that are shaping the future of ZIFs in HER. The integration of structural modelling and bibliometric analysis provides a holistic understanding of the progress made in this field and serves as a guide for future research efforts aimed at optimizing ZIFs for hydrogen generation. This review underscores ZIFs' pivotal role in advancing the hydrogen economy through efficient HER processes.