Processing–Structure–Property Relationships in Poly(vinylidene fluoride) Composites Containing Metal Organic Frameworks and Ionic Liquids: A Roadmap for Application-Driven Design

Composites including metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) loaded with ionic liquids (ILs) are materials that are currently under extensive study in the catalysis, adsorption, and electrochemistry fields, as this approach has proven to be effective in enhancing the overall physicochemical and functional properties of the composites. Thus, gaining deeper insight into the interactions between MOFs and ILs is essential for optimizing system performance. In this scope, four different methods for MOF and IL incorporation into the polymer matrix were evaluated, and their effect on the morphological, structural, thermal, mechanical, and electrochemical characteristics of the ternary composite was addressed. The incorporation of presynthesized HK@IL (HK: HKUST-1; IL: [Bmim]Cl) powders into the poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) polymer matrix yielded enhanced mechanical strength, dielectric response, and ionic conduction behavior. Given the complexity of the PVDF/HK/IL system, factors such as the MOF pore size/IL molecule ratio and the method of integrating HK and IL fillers into PVDF must be carefully considered to optimize the composite characteristics for a given application.