Metal organic framework-based cathode materials for aqueous zinc-ion batteries: Recent advances and perspectives

With the widespread use of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in recent decades, lithium resources are at risk of depletion. Electrochemical energy storage using LIBs cannot keep pace with socioeconomic development. Therefore, it is necessary to develop electrochemical systems capable of storing large amounts of energy in the future to replace LIBs. As a result of their environmental friendliness, low cost, and high safety, aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) are potential replacements for LIBs. Several challenges remain for the commercialization of AZIBs, however, such as the development of high-performance cathodes. In recent years, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and related materials have evolved into potential cathode materials for AZIBs due to their high porosities, tunable structures, and multifunctionality. Hence, this review summarizes the latest progress in MOF-based cathode materials for AZIBs. We present and discuss different types of MOF-based electrode materials (vanadium/manganese-based MOFs and their derivatives, Prussian blue and its analogs, and other MOFs and their derivatives), focusing on the impacts of the structures and morphologies of MOF materials on AZIBs performance as well as investigating how zinc ions are stored. Finally, future developments of MOF-based materials for AZIBs are proposed. Our work is expected to spur innovative research into new MOF-based electrode materials for AZIBs and provide guidance for storing and converting energy in the future.