Metal–organic frameworks for lithium–sulfur batteries

Lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries have gained popularity over recent decades due to their theoretically superior performance, which renders them a promising new energy storage technology. To cater to the increasing demand for energy, suitable and effective materials are desired to constitute Li–S batteries, especially as host materials, separators and interlayers. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), novel porous materials, have attracted public attention because of their controllable porous structure and ultrahigh porosity. Moreover, MOF composites and MOF derivatives exhibit even better performance and reduce the shortcomings of pure MOFs. These MOF-based materials are confirmed to be perfect candidates for several important parts in Li–S batteries. In this review, we aim to provide a comprehensive introduction to the excellent performance of pristine MOFs, MOF composites and MOF derivatives in Li–S batteries as host materials, separators or interlayers, including their working mechanism as different constituents. An outlook of possible research directions in the near future and difficulties in development is also given.