Metal–organic framework-based materials: advances, exploits, and challenges in promoting post Li-ion battery technologies

Abstract

After exclusive research for three decades on metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), can there be anything unexplored, unmapped, or unexplained? Synthetic processes, fundamental characteristics, and their suitability for various applications have previously been broadly highlighted elsewhere. It is time, however, to focus on their prospect of application in the field of post-lithium batteries. Considering the perpetual rise in the demand for safer rechargeable batteries and an urgent need to refrain from Li-based batteries, which is attributed to the limited supply of lithium, a serious consideration regarding the implementation of post-lithium rechargeable batteries at a commercial level is needed. Even though post-lithium batteries seem to be an effective solution to refrain from the excessive use of a limited reserves of lithium, several concerns are still needed to be addressed before they can be recognized for practical applications. MOFs can prove to be advantageous in providing aid for the design of electrode materials with better stability and conductivity for metal-ion batteries, act as catalysts for improving the reaction kinetics in metal–air batteries, and serve as hosts for sulfur encapsulation in metal–sulfur batteries. Currently available reviews focus mainly on the use of MOFs and MOF-based materials for Li-based rechargeable batteries. This survey aims to highlight the problems and their possible solutions in cutting-edge post-lithium batteries implementing MOFs and MOF-based materials, together with highlighting the remarkable works that have been carried out to understand the various design aspects of electrode materials so as to direct future research in this regime.