Applications of Electrically Conductive Metal–Organic Frameworks: From Design to Fabrication

Abstract

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) boast high crystallinity, porosity, and tunability, making them highly promising materials for various applications. However, most MOFs are intrinsically electrical insulators, limiting their use in electronic and energy technologies. Electrically conductive metal–organic frameworks (EC-MOFs) have emerged as a subclass of MOFs that overcome such limitations by imparting electrical conductivity while preserving the advantageous properties of conventional MOFs. This advancement expands the potential applications of MOFs to include electrocatalysts, capacitors, energy storage devices, chemiresistive sensors, field-effect transistors, and electrochromic devices. However, the challenges associated with processing solid-state materials, such as MOFs and the fabrication options for optimal devices, are often overlooked. This Review focuses on the recent advancements in EC-MOF applications, emphasizing chemical design principles and state-of-the-art fabrication techniques. We aim to provide insights into designing and fabricating EC-MOFs for targeted applications and inspire further advancements that bridge chemistry and practical devices, unlocking the full potential of EC-MOFs.