MOF-based nanomaterials for zinc-based battery cathodes

Besides the application in catalysis, hydrogen storage, gas adsorption and separation and drug delivery, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have stimulated huge research interest in the battery field. MOF-based nanomaterials have proven to be versatile as cathode materials for batteries and demonstrated excellent performances, due to their unique features, including controllable structures, abundant metal active sites, adjustable aperture, and huge specific surface area. Nevertheless, there are many substantial challenges hindering the practical application of MOF-based materials in rechargeable batteries, such as insufficient stability, high cost, and low tap density. Zn anodes, as promising candidates, show a high theoretical energy density and can be used in aqueous electrolytes, thus attracting great research interests. MOFs are widely used as cathodes coupling with Zn anodes. Herein, this chapter summarizes the latest advancements of MOF-based cathode materials for rechargeable Zn-ion batteries and Zn-air batteries, providing a deep understanding of mechanisms, recent progress, challenges, and opportunities for the future development.