1. Introduction
pp. 1-2Motivates zinc-based batteries and c-MOFs, contrasts MOF porosity with insulating pristine MOFs, and defines the review aim.
Relevance: Core · p. 2 · Introduction
Qian Zhang, Shu Jiang, Tingting Lv, Yi Peng, and Huan Pang · Advanced Materials · 2023
Review progress on conductive MOFs in zinc-based batteries, organising charge-transport mechanisms, synthesis routes, application examples in ZABs/ZIBs, and future challenges.
The review’s argument is preserved as a navigable set of section summaries.
Motivates zinc-based batteries and c-MOFs, contrasts MOF porosity with insulating pristine MOFs, and defines the review aim.
Relevance: Core · p. 2 · Introduction
Organises c-MOF conduction into electron and proton mechanisms, including hopping/band transport and Grotthuss/vehicle proton transfer.
Relevance: Core · p. 2 · 2. Conductive Mechanism of c-MOFs
Summarises mechanisms and synthesis categories, then lists limitations in design precision, mechanistic evidence, ligand diversity, testing scope and cost.
Relevance: Core · p. 12 · 5. Conclusion and Outlook
Classifies synthesis and modification strategies as solvothermal, interfacial synthesis, and post-treatment, with effects on morphology, structure, and conductivity.
Relevance: Core · p. 5 · 3. Synthesis of the c-MOFs
Explains why c-MOFs are used as ZAB electrocatalysts and gives Ru-doped HHTP and Co-CAT/NiFe-LDH/CNF examples.
Relevance: Supporting · p. 9 · 4.1. Zn-Air Batteries
Covers ZIB, NZB and ZMB context and selected c-MOF cathode/electrode examples, including Cu-BTA-H, Ni-PTA-Mn, V-MOF-48@CNTF and Cu3(HHTP)2.
Relevance: Supporting · p. 10 · 4.2. Zn-Ion Batteries
Classification systems are attributed to this review and are not treated as a global material registry.
The review separates c-MOF conductivity into electron and proton components because both affect battery use.
Categories: electron conduction · proton conduction
p. 2 · 2. Conductive Mechanism of c-MOFs
Hopping is described as thermally activated local charge movement; band transport as delocalised carrier conduction with higher mobility.
Categories: hopping transport · band transport
p. 3 · 2.1.1. Mechanism of Electron Conduction · Figure 1a
The review maps electron transfer in MOFs onto covalent metal-ligand overlap, noncovalent orbital/stacking interactions, and guest-mediated coupling.
Categories: through-bond · through-space · through-guest
p. 3 · 2.1.2. The Way of Electron Conduction
Grotthuss depends on hydrogen-bond network rearrangement; vehicle transport carries protons on mobile species and is concentration/diffusion dependent.
Categories: Grotthuss mechanism · vehicle mechanism
p. 3 · 2.2. Proton Conduction · Figure 1d
The review uses this as the main synthesis framework and discusses how each route controls morphology, structure and conductivity.
Categories: solvothermal method · interfacial method · postprocessing method
p. 5 · 3. Synthesis of the c-MOFs
Applications are organised around ZABs and ZIBs, with NZBs and ZMBs treated as important ZIB subtypes.
Categories: Zn-air batteries · Zn-ion batteries · Ni-Zn batteries · Zn-Mn batteries
p. 9 · 4. Application of Conductive MOF in Zn-Based Batteries
Review-defined families retain their representative materials and conduction descriptions.
One- and two-dimensional c-MOFs used as zinc-ion battery materials, emphasising pore structure, hydrophilicity and redox/ion transport.
Conduction: pi-d conjugation, hydrophilicity, hydrogen-bonded skeletons and guest anions are linked to Zn-ion diffusion and cycling stability.
Representative materials: Cu-BTA-H · Cu-BTA-L · Ni-BTA-H · Ni-PTA-Mn
Nodes / linkers: Cu · Ni · Mn · BTA · PTA · H2BDC-related structure
p. 10 · 4.2. Zn-Ion Batteries
c-MOFs grown on or combined with conductive scaffolds to create 3D electrode architectures.
Conduction: 3D morphology shortens ion diffusion pathways, maintains surface area and provides more active sites.
Representative materials: V-MOF-48@CNTF · Co-CAT/NiFe-LDH/CNFs
Nodes / linkers: V · Co · Ni · Fe · MOF-48 framework · catecholate-like Co-CAT
p. 11 · 4.2. Zn-Ion Batteries
Copper catecholate or tetrahydroxybenzoquinone-derived frameworks used for porous rods, nanowires and ZAB composites.
Conduction: pi-conjugated networks and honeycomb/hexagonal pores improve conductivity and electrolyte-ion penetration.
Representative materials: Cu3(C6O6)2 · Cu-CAT nanowires · Co-CAT/NiFe-LDH/CNFs
Nodes / linkers: Cu · Co · THQ · catecholate-like linkers
p. 5 · 3.1. Solvothermal Method
Cu/Ni pdt coordination frameworks used as examples of through-bond conduction and porous channels.
Conduction: Covalent metal-ligand overlap and redox-active dithiolene units support electron transfer.
Representative materials: Cu[Cu(pdt)2] · Cu[Ni(pdt)2]
Nodes / linkers: Cu · Ni · pdt dithiolene ligands
p. 3 · 2.1.2. The Way of Electron Conduction
Cu3(HAB)2-type 2D conductive MOFs improved by ligand post-treatment/defect healing.
Conduction: Defect healing preserves regular pores while sharply improving conductivity.
Representative materials: Cu3(HAB)2 · HAB-treated Cu3(HAB)2
Nodes / linkers: Cu · HAB
p. 8 · 3.3. Postprocessing Method · Figure 5f-i
Planar conjugated frameworks built from HITP or HHTP-type linkers and transition metals, often with hexagonal pores.
Conduction: d-p orbital hybridisation, pi conjugation and ordered pores enable charge transport and electrolyte access.
Representative materials: M3(HITP)2 · Ni3(HITP)2 · Mn3(HITP)2 · Co3(HITP)2 · Cu3(HHTP)2 · [Ni5.7Ru0.3(HHTP)3(H2O)x]n
Nodes / linkers: Ni · Co · Cu · Mn · Ru · HITP · HHTP
p. 5 · 3.1. Solvothermal Method
Frameworks using tetrathiafulvalene-type ligands or guests for through-space, through-guest, and proton transport examples.
Conduction: TTF stacking and redox-active ligands provide orbital overlap; proton conduction depends on pore hydrophilicity and hydrogen bonding.
Representative materials: Zn2(TTFTB) · [(CH3)2NH2][In(m-TTFTB)] · [(CH3)2NH2][In(TTFOC)] · La_n(HTTFTB)_m
Nodes / linkers: Zn · In · La · TTFTB · TTFOC · HTTFTB
p. 3 · 2.1.2. The Way of Electron Conduction
Review-level synthesis principles remain separate from primary-study recipes.
Load or grow c-MOFs on conductive or catalytic supports to form 3D battery electrodes.
Claimed effects: Improves electrocatalytic performance, active-site accessibility, ion diffusion and device stability.
Controlling variables: support material · MOF loading · nanorod/nanosheet array morphology · solid versus liquid electrolyte environment
Representative materials: Co-CAT/NiFe-LDH/CNFs · V-MOF-48@CNTF
Caveat: Review-level interpretation; primary papers remain needed for electrode fabrication and durability conditions.
p. 10 · 4.1. Zn-Air Batteries
Design c-MOFs around d-p orbital hybridisation, pi conjugation and pi-pi or S-S stacking to improve electronic transport.
Claimed effects: Enhances charge migration and electron delocalisation in 2D and 3D c-MOFs.
Controlling variables: metal orbital alignment · ligand conjugation · stacking distance · pi-pi overlap · topological structure
Representative materials: M3(HITP)2 · Zn2(TTFTB) · La_n(HTTFTB)_m · truxone-Cu MOF
Caveat: The review warns that d-p hybridisation is a benchmark but still leaves room for improved precision and ion/redox properties.
p. 12 · 5. Conclusion and Outlook
Growth at a two-phase interface to prepare nanowire arrays or multilayer films, especially liquid-liquid or gas-liquid routes for c-MOFs.
Claimed effects: Can produce ordered, crystalline films with controlled thickness, including Ni3(HITP)2 on quartz.
Controlling variables: interface type · solvent pair · gas-liquid versus liquid-liquid geometry · film direction · film thickness · surface roughness
Representative materials: Ni3(HITP)2 · truxone-Cu MOF
Caveat: Direction and thickness are difficult to adjust for liquid-liquid routes; gas-liquid films can have variable roughness.
p. 6 · 3.2. Interfacial Method
Post-synthetic treatment repairs defects, modifies morphology or stacks nanosheets while preserving framework integrity.
Claimed effects: Improves purity, morphological integrity and conductivity; HAB treatment increased Cu3(HAB)2 conductivity by more than 700-fold.
Controlling variables: post-treatment reagent · ligand deprotonation · solvent safety · metal/linker choice · defect density
Representative materials: Mn3(HITP)2 · Co3(HITP)2 · Cu3(HAB)2
Caveat: Some post-treatment solvents are dangerous and methods need further development.
p. 8 · 3.3. Postprocessing Method
Closed-vessel reaction in organic or nonaqueous solvent under autogenous pressure, used to form c-MOF powders, rods, nanowires and stacked frameworks.
Claimed effects: Can tune composition, particle size, surface area, shape and dispersion, but conditions are sensitive and can be energy-intensive.
Controlling variables: precursor concentration · solvent choice · surfactant/polymer · temperature · reaction time · DMF/ethanol/water ratio
Representative materials: Cu[Cu(pdt)2] · M3(HITP)2 · Cu3(C6O6)2 · Cu-CAT nanowires
Caveat: The review notes sensitivity to conditions and that some reactions require high temperature and long time.
p. 5 · 3.1. Solvothermal Method
These are the review authors’ synthesis, not newly measured results.
c-MOF electrical performance depends jointly on carrier density and mobility, with activation energy influencing charge density.
Evidence basis: review_reasoning
Caveat: The review does not standardise measurement protocols for comparing activation energies.
p. 2 · 2.1.1. Mechanism of Electron Conduction
Expensive or rare ligand materials may limit commercial application of c-MOFs in zinc-based batteries.
Evidence basis: review_reasoning
Caveat: The review does not provide a cost model or comparative economic data.
p. 13 · 5. Conclusion and Outlook
Electron transfer in c-MOFs is interpreted mainly through hopping transport and band transport.
Evidence basis: multi_reference
Caveat: The framework is conceptual; assigning a mechanism to a material requires primary temperature-dependent transport evidence.
p. 3 · 2.1.1. Mechanism of Electron Conduction
Interfacial methods are positioned as important for crystalline c-MOF films and multilayers, with Ni3(HITP)2 used as a device-relevant film example.
Evidence basis: single_reference
Caveat: The review cautions that thickness, direction and roughness control remain immature.
p. 6 · 3.2. Interfacial Method
The review explicitly states that many high-performance c-MOF battery papers provide characterisation and conjecture but few rigorous mechanistic explanations.
Evidence basis: review_reasoning
Caveat: This is a review-level critique, not a systematic meta-analysis.
p. 12 · 5. Conclusion and Outlook
The review’s electron-pathway taxonomy divides c-MOF conduction into through-bond, through-space and through-guest routes.
Evidence basis: multi_reference
Caveat: The categories are review framing and may coexist in real frameworks.
p. 3 · 2.1.2. The Way of Electron Conduction
Postprocessing can repair defects and improve electrochemical performance while maintaining nanosheet or pore integrity.
Evidence basis: multi_reference
Caveat: Some solvents used in post-treatment are dangerous.
p. 8 · 3.3. Postprocessing Method
Pristine MOFs are usually electrically insulating because they lack free carriers and charge-transport pathways, motivating conductive MOF design.
Evidence basis: multi_reference
Caveat: The review states this as general background rather than a measurement from the review itself.
p. 1 · Introduction
Proton conduction in c-MOFs is framed by Grotthuss network hopping and vehicle-mediated carrier diffusion.
Evidence basis: multi_reference
Caveat: The review uses activation-energy thresholds heuristically; primary mechanistic validation remains needed.
p. 3 · 2.2. Proton Conduction
Solvothermal synthesis is presented as convenient for controlling composition and particle properties, including surface area, size, shape and dispersion.
Evidence basis: multi_reference
Caveat: The review also flags sensitivity and energy consumption as limitations.
p. 5 · 3.1. Solvothermal Method
For ZABs, treated c-MOFs are reviewed mainly as electrocatalysts that can improve ORR/OER-related performance relative to poorly conducting pristine MOFs.
Evidence basis: multi_reference
Caveat: The review reports device examples but does not resolve catalyst durability or standardisation across electrolytes.
p. 9 · 4.1. Zn-Air Batteries
For ZIBs, porous and controllable c-MOF morphology is linked to better ion transport, capacity and cycling stability.
Evidence basis: multi_reference
Caveat: Many performance mechanisms are inferred from morphology and electrochemical tests rather than proven directly.
p. 10 · 4.2. Zn-Ion Batteries
Every row remains visibly secondary and links to a primary dossier only where the mapping is verified.
| Material | Property | Reported value | Context and quality | Primary evidence | Review source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SecondaryCo-CAT/NiFe-LDH/CNFs ZAB | liquid-electrolyte cycling stability | no significant loss after 56 h | liquid electrolyte; same current density as solid-electrolyte comparison Text · Exact Reported | No verified corpus mapping | p. 10 · 4.1. Zn-Air Batteries |
| SecondaryCo-CAT/NiFe-LDH/CNFs ZAB | power density | 112.04 mW cm^-2 at 11 mA cm^-2 | solid electrolyte; current density 11 mA cm^-2 Text · Exact Reported | No verified corpus mapping | p. 10 · 4.1. Zn-Air Batteries |
| SecondaryCu-BTA-H ZIB | capacity after cycling | 106.1 mAh g^-1 after 500 cycles at 2.0 A g^-1 | 500 cycles; 2.0 A g^-1 Text · Exact Reported | research_0773 | p. 10 · 4.2. Zn-Ion Batteries |
| SecondaryCu-BTA-H ZIB | reversible capacity | 330 mAh g^-1 at 0.2 A g^-1 | aqueous ZIB; current density 0.2 A g^-1 Text · Exact Reported | research_0773 | p. 10 · 4.2. Zn-Ion Batteries |
| SecondaryCu3(HAB)2 | conductivity increase after HAB treatment | more than 700 times of the original | ligand-based postprocessing/defect healing Text · Approximate | research_0788 | p. 8 · 3.3. Postprocessing Method |
| SecondaryCu3(HHTP)2 ZIB | reversible capacity | 228 mAh g^-1 at 50 mA g^-1 | current density 50 mA g^-1 Text · Exact Reported | research_0188 | p. 12 · 4.2. Zn-Ion Batteries |
| SecondaryCu3(HHTP)2 ZIB | capacity retention | 75% after 500 cycles at 4000 mA g^-1 | 500 cycles; 4000 mA g^-1 Text · Exact Reported | research_0188 | p. 12 · 4.2. Zn-Ion Batteries |
| SecondaryCu[Cu(pdt)2] | electrical conductivity | 6 x 10^-4 S cm^-1 at 300 K | 300 K; through-bond 2D sheet example Text · Exact Reported | research_0201 | p. 3 · 2.1.2. The Way of Electron Conduction |
| SecondaryLa_n(HTTFTB)_m c-MOF series | average conductivity | 5.4 x 10^-6 S cm^-1 | highest of three La HTTFTB c-MOFs in review discussion Text · Exact Reported | No verified corpus mapping | p. 5 · 3.1. Solvothermal Method |
| SecondaryM3(HITP)2 (M = Co, Ni, Cu) | electrical conductivity | 55.4 S cm^-1 | alloyed 2D c-MOF series Text · Exact Reported | research_0041 | p. 5 · 3.1. Solvothermal Method |
| Secondary[(CH3)2NH2][In(m-TTFTB)] | proton-conduction activation energy | 0.59 eV | vehicle-mechanism interpretation Text · Exact Reported | No verified corpus mapping | p. 3 · 2.2. Proton Conduction |
| SecondaryNi3(HITP)2 film | film thickness | 100 nm | interfacially formed black film on quartz Text · Exact Reported | No verified corpus mapping | p. 6 · 3.2. Interfacial Method |
| SecondaryNi3(HITP)2 | long-range conductivity | up to 40 S cm^-1 | ambient conditions; powder/polycrystalline structure described by review Text · Exact Reported | No verified corpus mapping | p. 6 · 3.2. Interfacial Method |
| SecondaryNi-PTA-Mn ZIB | cycling retention | 93% discharge capacity after 100 cycles at 1 A g^-1 | 100 cycles; 1 A g^-1 Text · Exact Reported | No verified corpus mapping | p. 11 · 4.2. Zn-Ion Batteries |
| Secondarysolid-state ZABs with [Ni5.7Ru0.3(HHTP)3(H2O)x]n | cycling stability | more than 200 cycles | solid-state ZAB charge/discharge Text · Approximate | research_0796 | p. 10 · 4.1. Zn-Air Batteries |
| Secondary[Ni5.7Ru0.3(HHTP)3(H2O)x]n | conductivity | 0.05 S m^-1 | Ru-doped c-MOF used in solid-state ZABs Text · Exact Reported | research_0796 | p. 9 · 4.1. Zn-Air Batteries |
| Secondarytruxone-Cu MOF | energy gap | 0.24 eV | Arrhenius fit for grain-boundary conductivity Text · Exact Reported | research_0209 | p. 8 · 3.2. Interfacial Method |
| Secondarytruxone-Cu MOF | conductivity | 4.0 mS cm^-1 at 30 C | 30 C Text · Exact Reported | research_0209 | p. 8 · 3.2. Interfacial Method |
| Secondary[(CH3)2NH2][In(TTFOC)] | proton-conduction activation energy | 0.09 eV at 98% RH | 98% RH; Grotthuss-mechanism interpretation Text · Exact Reported | No verified corpus mapping | p. 5 · 2.2. Proton Conduction |
| SecondaryV-MOF-48@CNTF fibre-shaped ZIB | energy density | 17.47 mWh cm^-3 at 1.46 W cm^-3 | power density 1.46 W cm^-3 Text · Exact Reported | No verified corpus mapping | p. 11 · 4.2. Zn-Ion Batteries |
| SecondaryV-MOF-48@CNTF fibre-shaped ZIB | capacity retention | more than 80% after 300 cycles at 2.0 A cm^-3 | 300 cycles; current density 2.0 A cm^-3 Text · Approximate | No verified corpus mapping | p. 12 · 4.2. Zn-Ion Batteries |
| SecondaryZn-HHTP-H2O | proton-conduction activation energy | about 0.52 eV at 95% RH | 95% RH; vehicle-mechanism interpretation Text · Approximate | research_0039 | p. 5 · 2.2. Proton Conduction |
| SecondaryZn-HHTP-urea | proton-conduction activation energy | 0.38 eV | high RH; Grotthuss-mechanism interpretation Text · Exact Reported | research_0039 | p. 5 · 2.2. Proton Conduction |
Open questions are presented as review-author priorities, not conclusions from the primary database.
Many investigations stop at c-MOF conductivity testing without further battery performance tests.
Proposed direction: Load c-MOFs into ZIBs, ZABs and related cells and compare capacity, cycling stability and other device metrics.
p. 13 · 5. Conclusion and Outlook
Expensive or rare ligands increase c-MOF cost and restrict commercial zinc-battery applications.
Proposed direction: Use inexpensive, available ligands and simple, resource-controlled processes.
p. 13 · 5. Conclusion and Outlook
d-p orbital hybridisation is widely used as a benchmark design strategy, but 2D c-MOF structure and design precision still need development.
Proposed direction: Improve spatial structure design and extend optimisation beyond electron conduction.
p. 12 · 5. Conclusion and Outlook
Many 2D c-MOFs are improved mainly for electron conduction, with less development of ion diffusion, redox promotion and Zn dendrite inhibition.
Proposed direction: Tune morphology, size and composite partners to enhance ion diffusion, redox capability and dendrite suppression.
p. 12 · 5. Conclusion and Outlook
Most c-MOFs use structurally similar ligands or similar composites, leaving promising inorganic or organic ligands underexplored.
Proposed direction: Investigate inorganic ligands such as amino groups and COF-inspired ligands with proton-transport capability.
p. 13 · 5. Conclusion and Outlook
The review criticises many c-MOF battery papers for conjectural mechanisms without reliable arguments.
Proposed direction: Use more precise characterisation, rigorous data and computational chemistry to support mechanisms.
p. 12 · 5. Conclusion and Outlook
Mappings show which printed review references have a verified counterpart in the frozen primary corpus.
| Reference | Study | Role and context | Corpus mapping |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ref. 33c2021 | Title unavailable | transport_mechanism · figure_sourceFigure source and review support for through-bond, through-space, Grotthuss and vehicle mechanism schematics. | Unmapped |
| Ref. 432009 | Title unavailable | transport_benchmark · synthesis_exampleOriginal study used for the review example of through-bond conduction and early solvothermal c-MOF synthesis. | research_0201 |
| Ref. 442020 | Title unavailable | transport_mechanism · material_familyOriginal study used for through-space TTF stacking in a 3D c-MOF. | research_0136 |
| Ref. 45c2019 | Title unavailable | transport_benchmark · synthesis_exampleOriginal study used for lanthanide TTF-stack c-MOF topology and conductivity comparison. | Unmapped |
| Ref. 462014 | Title unavailable | transport_mechanismOriginal study used for through-guest conduction via a TCNQ guest molecule. | research_0088 |
| Ref. 502020 | Title unavailable | proton_transport_benchmarkOriginal study used to contrast vehicle and Grotthuss proton-conduction mechanisms in TTF-based MOFs. | Unmapped |
| Ref. 512023 | Title unavailable | proton_transport_benchmarkOriginal study used for water/urea-mediated proton conductivity in Zn-HHTP c-MOFs. | research_0039 |
| Ref. 562020 | Title unavailable | transport_benchmark · synthesis_exampleOriginal study used for alloyed 2D M3(HITP)2 c-MOFs and conductivity enhancement. | research_0041 |
| Ref. 572022 | Title unavailable | synthesis_example · structure_morphologyOriginal study used for a solvothermal Cu3(C6O6)2 morphology and stacking example. | Unmapped |
| Ref. 582019 | Title unavailable | synthesis_example · structure_morphologyOriginal study used for 1D Cu-CAT nanowires made by solvothermal synthesis. | research_0046 |
| Ref. 60b2021 | Title unavailable | thin_film_benchmark · synthesis_exampleOriginal study used for an interfacially prepared Ni3(HITP)2 film on quartz. | Unmapped |
| Ref. 622021 | Title unavailable | transport_benchmark · synthesis_exampleOriginal study used for a 2D interfacial truxone-Cu MOF with reported conductivity and gap. | research_0209 |
| Ref. 65a2021 | Title unavailable | postprocessing_exampleOriginal study used for postprocessed Mn/Co HITP c-MOF nanosheets. | research_0788 |
| Ref. 65b2021 | Title unavailable | postprocessing_benchmarkOriginal study used for ligand-based defect healing of Cu3(HAB)2 and conductivity enhancement. | research_0788 |
| Ref. 782020 | Title unavailable | zab_benchmarkOriginal study used for a Ru-doped HHTP c-MOF applied in all-solid ZABs. | research_0796 |
| Ref. 792022 | Title unavailable | zab_benchmark · composite_electrodeOriginal study used for a 3D c-MOF composite electrocatalyst in solid and liquid ZAB electrolytes. | Unmapped |
| Ref. 912023 | Title unavailable | zib_benchmarkOriginal study used for Cu-BTA-H as a 1D c-MOF cathode in aqueous ZIBs. | research_0773 |
| Ref. 922021 | Title unavailable | zib_benchmarkOriginal study used for Ni-PTA-Mn as a 2D c-MOF ZIB material with structural stability. | Unmapped |
| Ref. 932019 | Title unavailable | zib_benchmark · 3d_electrodeOriginal study used for fibre-shaped all-solid-state ZIBs based on V-MOF-48@CNTF. | Unmapped |
| Ref. 942019 | Title unavailable | zib_benchmarkOriginal study used for Cu3(HHTP)2 as a 2D honeycomb c-MOF cathode in ZIBs. | research_0188 |