Redox-active metal–organic frameworks as electrode materials for batteries

Metal–organic framework (MOF) materials are well known as elegant gaseous energy-storage materials, but their potential for electrical energy storage has only recently been explored. Although numerous studies have focused on MOF-derived porous carbon or nanoscale metal oxide materials, less attention has been paid to the intrinsic properties achievable through the molecular design of MOFs. Indeed, the porous nature of MOF architectures is highly suitable for accommodating electrolyte ions in electrochemical processes, suggesting their potential as high-performance active materials for batteries. In this article, we consider recent examples employing MOF materials as battery electrode materials. Redox-active sites were incorporated on metal junctions, ligands, or both, in the MOF structures. In addition, we introduce novel electrochemical mechanisms observed in the electrochemical process of MOF electrode materials.