Advances and perspectives of ZIFs-based materials for electrochemical energy storage: Design of synthesis and crystal structure, evolution of mechanisms and electrochemical performance

Abstract The design and preparation of electrode materials are of great significance for improving the overall performance of energy storage devices. Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) and their derivatives have attracted significant attention as they provide a library of new energy storage materials. ZIFs act as the perfect precursor due to their high porosity, controllable crystal structures, and tunable chemical compositions. The high structural tunability endows ZIFs and ZIFs-derivatives with broad application prospects in various energy storage devices. In this review, we discussed the crystal structures and preparation methods of ZIFs and focused on the application progress of ZIFs and ZIFs-derivatives in supercapacitors and batteries. Furthermore, we summarized the current challenges and provided perspectives about ZIFs and their derivatives for future electrode materials, aiming to fully understand this field and promote the widespread use of ZIF-based composites and ZIF-derived materials in the field of energy storage.