Ion transport and conduction in metal–organic framework glasses

Abstract

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are a group of highly tunable porous materials composed of metal nodes and organic linkers. Although MOF research has predominantly focused on crystalline frameworks, amorphous MOFs with disordered structures have seen a surge in interest over the past few years. In particular, an emerging subgroup of amorphous MOFs exhibiting a glass transition temperature, known as MOF glass, offers several benefits as an ion conductor including the absence of grain boundaries, isotropic properties and high moldability. This perspective aims to explore the recent developments in MOF glass materials for ion transport and conduction. The mechanism and underlying factors that govern ion transport properties will be elucidated to guide the design of these materials with enhanced ion conductivity and selectivity. We also highlight their latest applications for electrochemical and energy related systems. Finally, we offer prospective strategies for tuning the ion transport characteristics in MOF glass to direct its implementation in current and future applications.