Metal–organic frameworks and derivatives as next-generation materials for electrochemical energy storage
Xuejie Wang, Zhuang Du, Haiwei Tang, Weilai Yu, Tao Liu
Abstract
The global pursuit of carbon neutrality demands transformative clean energy solutions, with advanced energy storage materials at the forefront. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), owing to their tunable porosity, ultrahigh surface areas, and adaptable physicochemical properties, have rapidly risen as promising building blocks for next-generation electrochemical energy storage. Beyond pristine MOFs, engineered composites and derivatives now showcase remarkable multifunctionality, enabling improved performance in diverse battery systems. Despite this progress, significant barriers remain in translating laboratory success into practical deployment. This review provides a systematic overview of recent advances in MOF-based materials, highlighting their evolving roles as electrodes and separators in Li/Na/K-ion, Li/Na/K-S, and Zn-ion batteries. We classify design strategies by battery type, critically assess electrochemical performance, and dissect the structure-property-function relationships that underpin device operation. Finally, we outline the central challenges-stability, scalability, and interface engineering-while offering forward-looking perspectives on how to bridge these gaps. By integrating state-of-the-art progress with future opportunities, this review seeks to inspire innovative material design and accelerate the realization of sustainable MOF-based energy storage technologies.