Metal-organic frameworks for electrochemical applications

Electrochemical devices are fast, sensitive, accurate, and convenient as sensing and mass or energy conversion platforms. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) attract much attention because of their intriguing properties. MOFs have great potential for electrochemical applications, but two challenges are confronted, including the design of redox-active MOFs (ra-MOFs) and the improvement of MOF conductivity. Redox or catalytic active sites can be introduced using active ligands or metal ions, and active complexes as building blocks. MOFs can also hold active guest molecules, enzymes, bacteria, and nanoparticles and promote electrochemical activity. In order to improve MOF conductivity, conductive ligands and metal nodes are rational choices to form long-range delocalized electrons for charge mobility. Integrating guest molecules or mixing with electrical conductors is the alternative. The MOF film attached on the substrate surface facilitates direct electron transfer and device building. High sensitivity and selectivity of MOF-based electrochemical sensors and improved mass or energy conversion are anticipated. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.