Synergistic functionality of metal-organic framework-cellulose composites structures for advanced high-performance energy materials

With the rapid advancement of industrialization, the demand for high-performance energy materials is continuously increasing, making their development a significant research focus. Metal-organic framework (MOF) materials, characterized by high surface area, tunable porosity, and multifunctional surface modification capabilities, have emerged as promising candidates for innovation in energy materials. However, challenges such as difficulties in large-scale production and limited stability have hindered their broader application. To address these issues, cellulose, a natural polymer with excellent structural properties, has been explored as a support material. Through in-situ growth or adsorption methods, cellulose can be combined with MOFs to create composite materials, resulting in two-dimensional (2D) or three-dimensional (3D) structures suitable for energy applications. This review summarizes recent progress in the development of MOF-cellulose composites, specifically focusing on the methods of synthesis, the interactions between MOF structures and cellulose, and their impact on the functionality of the resulting composites. Emphasis is placed on the synergistic performance improvements that arise from the combination of MOFs and cellulose, including enhanced adsorption capacity, optimized catalytic properties, as well as improved mechanical strength and stability. Furthermore, the review highlights the potential future research directions to overcome current challenges and advance the field forward, offering new perspectives on the design and optimization of MOF-cellulose functional materials to support their broader use in energy technologies.