Design strategies and energy storage mechanisms of MOF-based aqueous zinc ion battery cathode materials

As the world strives for carbon neutrality, advancing rechargeable battery technology for the effective storage of renewable energy is paramount. Among various options, aqueous zinc ion batteries (AZIBs) stand out, favored for their high safety and cost-efficiency. A key aspect of the technological evolution of AZIBs lies in the development of advanced cathode materials with high energy and power densities. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and their derived materials, with their unique benefits in energy storage, are propelling the search for superior cathode materials for AZIBs. Despite the substantial progress achieved by researchers in recent years, the field lacks a clear guide for the design principles of MOFs and their derived materials as cathode materials for AZIBs, as well as a comprehensive understanding of their energy storage mechanisms. This review captures the latest breakthroughs in MOF-based cathode materials for AZIBs. We begin by systematically organizing and classifying the various design strategies employed in the development of both pristine MOFs and MOF-derived cathode materials. An exhaustive and distinctive overview of their energy storage mechanisms is then presented, offering insights into the intricate processes that govern the performance of these materials in AZIB systems. Further, we provide an extensive summary of the indispensable characterization techniques that are crucial for the investigation of these energy storage mechanisms. In concluding, we discuss the present challenges and future research and development prospects in this field. Our goal is to provide innovative insights for advancing MOF-based cathode materials, fostering deeper understanding and supporting the quest for sustainable energy.