Metal-organic frameworks and their derivatives in stable Zn metal anodes for aqueous Zn-ion batteries

Abstract

• A review on MOFs and their derivatives in stable Zn metal anodes is presented. • The merits, challenges and modification strategies of Zn metal anode are listed. • The structure, synthesis, advantages and application of MOFs are summarized. • Some outlooks and perspectives are put forward. Zn metal anode is believed to be a promising anode material for aqueous Zn-ion batteries (ZIBs) due to the merits such as low electrochemical potential, low cost, high theoretical specific capacity, high hydrogen evolution overpotential, less-reactive property, environmental friendliness and easy processing. However, issues including uncontrollable growth of Zn dendrites, corrosion by aqueous electrolyte, large volume change and unstable interface hinder its further development. Recently, multifunctional metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and their derivatives have shown huge advantages in solving the issues facing Zn metal anode, and large advances have been achieved. MOFs and their derivatives can stabilize Zn metal anode by interface engineering, designing host, decorating separator, constructing solid-state electrolyte and so on. Here we carefully summarize and analyse these advances. Meanwhile, some perspectives and outlooks are put forward. This review can promote the development of MOFs, Zn metal anode as well as aqueous ZIBs.