Electrochemical Capacitance and Synthetic Pore Modification in 2D Conductive Metal-Organic Framework

Electrically conductive 2D metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a distinct class of materials known for their crystalline extended structures, porosity, and inherent electrical conductivity resulting from the in-plane conjugation system and out-of-plane π interaction, rendering them promising candidates for active electrode materials in electrochemical energy storage devices. Here, we investigated the charge storage mechanisms of a functionalized Cu-MOF, wherein the pore structure was tailored to enhance polarity. This synthetic modification induced a consequential alteration in its band structure, ultimately impacting its electrochemical performance. Through a comparative analysis with its isostructural parent MOF, our study aimed to elucidate the influence of pore modification on electrochemical capacitance. Our findings demonstrated an increased capacitance under aqueous condition compared to the parent MOF, primarily attributed to the facilitated diffusion of electrolyte ions into and within the MOF pores. While the utilization of 2D conductive MOFs holds promise for advancing energy storage technologies, offering versatile attributes including tunable structures, high surface area, and redox-active moieties, these results underscore the potential of systematic pore engineering to enhance electrochemical capacitance. Our study contributes to the ongoing investigation of electrode materials for supercapacitors, emphasizing the critical interplay between structure and function. We anticipate that our discoveries can stimulate further exploration in advanced materials for electrochemical energy storage applications and drive continued progress in the field of MOF-based electrode materials.