Modular preparation of functional bimetallic spinels from metal–organic frameworks: a deep exploration from macro and micro perspectives

Abstract

In recent years, bimetallic spinels (AB₂X₄) have played significant roles in energy and environmental remediation due to their excellent redox capacity. However, the disadvantages of traditional bimetallic spinels (blocky structure, low specific surface area, and poor reaction kinetics) limit their performances. Noting the controllable chemical composition, high specific surface area and strong design capability of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), bimetallic spinels synthesized using them as sacrificial templates inherit the structural advantages of the parent materials and improve the inherent defects of traditional bimetallic spinels. These provide great opportunities for the application and development of bimetallic spinels. Therefore, this review presents two synthetic strategies for MOF-derived bimetallic spinels. Special emphasis is placed on the performance advantages of MOF-derived bimetallic spinels due to their unique variations. Based on this, recent advances in the energy field and environmental remediation as well as the mechanism of action are systematically reviewed. Finally, some issues and outlooks on their design are presented. This review aims to provide a systematic reference for the design of MOF-derived bimetallic spinels.