Conductive Metal–Organic Frameworks for Rechargeable Lithium Batteries

Abstract

Currently, rechargeable lithium batteries are representative of high-energy-density battery systems. Nevertheless, the development of rechargeable lithium batteries is confined by numerous problems, such as anode volume expansion, dendrite growth of lithium metal, separator interface compatibility, and instability of cathode interface, leading to capacity fade and performance degradation of batteries. Since the 21st century, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted much attention in energy-related applications owing to their ideal specific surface areas, adjustable pore structures, and targeted design functions. The insulating characteristics of traditional MOFs restrict their application in the field of electrochemistry energy storage. Recently, some teams have broken this bottleneck through the design and synthesis of electron- and proton-conductive MOFs (c-MOFs), indicating excellent charge transport properties, while the chemical and structural advantages of MOFs are still maintained. In this review, we profile the utilization of c-MOFs in several rechargeable lithium batteries such as lithium-ion batteries, Li–S batteries, and Li–air batteries. The preparation methods, conductive mechanisms, experimental and theoretical research of c-MOFs are systematically elucidated and summarized. Finally, in the field of electrochemical energy storage and conversion, challenges and opportunities can coexist.