Application of MOFs and their derived materials in Zn-air batteries

Electrochemical energy storage from green generated electrical power, having high energy density, high power output, and stable performance, requires special materials. Zn-air batteries (ZABs) are one of the most promising candidates with high reduction potential and high energy density, as well as using common and inexpensive resources. The challenge for ZABs is their high overpotential, due to the inactive kinetics of the oxygen reaction on the air cathode. Highly efficient oxygen catalysts derived from metal-organic framework (MOF) precursors have demonstrated remarkable capabilities for facilitating oxygen reactions. In this chapter, we describe the MOFs and their derived materials, which are excellent and effective materials for using oxygen catalysts in primary and rechargeable ZABs. The development of several important MOF and derived materials, including composites with some carbon-based compounds, are also advantageous for ZABs. The main challenges of this technology and advancing developing of this state-of-art material as applied to ZABs are discussed in this chapter.