Metal-Organic Frameworks for Next-Generation Lithium-Based Batteries: From Molecular Design to System Integration

Abstract

The growing need for green power, particularly for electric vehicle, is driving up the need for high-energy-dense, safe, and life-extending lithium batteries. But the problem of the growth of lithium dendrites, the formation of the polysulfides, and the instability of the interface have hampered their actual use. Metal organic frameworks (MOFs), which are characterized by varying porosity, rich activation sites, and a variety of structures, have been proposed as a transition material to overcome those constraints. In this paper, MOFs are used in the next generation lithium-ion batteries, including lithium, lithium sulfur, and lithium air, with emphasis on their functions as electrodes, separators, and electrolyte modifiers. MOFs enhance ion transport uniformity, suppress dendrite formation, and improve redox kinetics through customized pore structures and conductive frameworks. The composite materials and derived materials derived from MOFs further demonstrate excellent cycling stability and high capacity. Despite the progress made, scalability and cost remain challenges, thus requiring strategies such as low-cost metal substitution and simplified synthesis. Future efforts should prioritize improving conductivity, mechanical robustness, and compatibility with industrial processes. By utilizing the multifunctionality and structural adaptability of MOFs, this work highlights their potential to achieve safer and higher performance lithium batteries, accelerating the transition to sustainable electric vehicle technology.