Tailoring metal–organic frameworks and their derivatives for advanced supercapacitor cathodes: from design to electrochemical performance

Abstract

Metal–organic framework (MOF)-based cathode materials, distinguished by their highly tailorable composition, ordered hierarchical pore systems, and abundant active sites, have emerged as a critical platform for advancing supercapacitor technology beyond the conventional trade-off between energy and power density. This review systematically summarizes recent progress in this field, covering three primary material categories: pristine MOFs, MOF-derived porous carbons, and MOF-derived transition metal compounds (including hydroxides, oxides, sulfides, nitrides, and phosphides). The article analyzes the design strategies, synthesis methodologies, and fundamental structure–performance relationships for each category, highlighting representative breakthroughs in specific capacity, rate capability, and cycling stability. Key challenges, such as intrinsic electrical conductivity, structural durability, and scalable manufacturing, are also critically discussed. Finally, perspectives on future research directions are provided to guide the development of high-performance supercapacitors.