The replacement of precious metal catalysts by non-precious metal catalysts has become a trend, but the catalytic activity of non-precious metals is difficult to meet demand. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are organic-inorganic hybrid materials with clear crystal structure, adjustable topology, ultra-high surface area, and excellent customizability. The advantages of high specific surface area, adjustable structure, and porosity make MOFs materials show great development potential in the field of catalysis. Porous carbon catalyst obtained by pyrolyzing metal-organic frameworks is a very promising catalyst. Pyrolysis not only activates metal ions, but also improves the stability of MOFs. The pyrolysis methods of MOFs can be roughly divided into direct pyrolysis, first load reheating, and MOFs composite pyrolysis. Direct pyrolysis is the simplest method for preparing porous carbon catalysts, but its catalytic effect is inferior to that of noble metal catalysts. Load pyrolysis is divided into pyrolysis after hot-dip and post-vapor deposition, and pyrolysis after wet impregnation can improve the type and content of the metal in the material, and further enhance the catalytic effect. The reaction oconditions of pyrolysis after vapor deposition are harsh and cannot be popularized. Combination of MOFs and other materials is an effective method to improve the stability of MOFs. The composites have excellent catalytic effects after pyrolysis. The unique properties of MOFs have been gain increasing attention. At present, researchers prepared porous carbon catalysts such as monometallic, bimetallic, doped heteroatoms and composite materials. Furthermore, the catalytic properties and cycle stability were also explored. This paper systematically reviews the preparation methods of MOFs and their derivatives, and their latest developments as porous carbon catalysts. Finally, the problems existing in the current research are pointed out and the future research directions are prospected. © 2020, Materials Review Magazine. All right reserved.
