Metal–Organic Frameworks for Fast Electrochemical Energy Storage: Mechanisms and Opportunities

Electrochemical energy storage devices are typically based on materials of inorganic nature which require high temperature synthesis and frequently feature scarce and/or toxic elements. Organic-based materials on the other hand can provide an attractive alternative, potentially yielding sustainable, safe, and cost-effective energy storage devices based on abundant elements (e.g. C, N, O, S, and H). However, attempts to incorporate organic and coordination compounds so far have led to sub-par cycling stability and charging rates due to insufficient structural and (electro)chemical stability, low electrical conductivity, and reduced performance at industrially relevant device scales. In recent years metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have gained attention as having the potential to rival or even supersede traditional energy storage materials. Functional properties such as electronic or ionic conductivity can be incorporated into these materials by judicious design of their constituent inorganic and organic building blocks. However, full realization of the potential of MOFs for electrochemical energy storage requires joint expertise from distinct fields. In particular, bridges must be formed between electrochemists and synthetic and material chemists to establish the unified approach necessary to develop MOF-based energy storage devices exhibiting competitive performance.