Design and engineering of MOF/LDH hybrid nanocomposites and LDHs derived from MOF templates for electrochemical energy conversion/storage and environmental remediation: Mechanism and future perspectives

The ongoing search for sustainable and renewable energy solutions to combat energy shortages and mitigate environmental pollution remains an urgent priority. It catalyzes the rapid evolution of cutting-edge technologies for energy storage and environmental remediation, hinging on advanced functional materials. In addition to the unprecedentedly high surface area and tunable porous structures of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), its well-organized frameworks make them ideal templates for designing layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and their hybrids. MOF-derived LDHs boasts improved conductivity, stability, and structural adjustability. While MOF/LDH hybrids expose more active sites, leading to augmented catalytic activity and adsorption performance. Hence, this review provides a deep dive into the prospects of MOF-derived LDHs and MOF/LDH hybrids as materials for green energy production, storage, and environmental applications. The structure-property relationship, synthetic mechanism and procedure for the MOF-templated LDH and MOF/LDH composites are thoroughly reviewed. The fundamentals, reaction mechanism and active sites involved for electrochemical energy production and storage are discussed. A comprehensive review is then conducted on the recent advances in utilizing these materials for energy storage and conversion (batteries, supercapacitors, electrocatalysts), as well as environmental applications. Finally, it highlights the advantages, challenges, and future directions in designing MOF/LDH hybrids and LDHs derived from MOF templates. This review serves as a roadmap on utilizing MOFs as templates/components to synthesize advanced functional materials for the future of energy security and environmental salvation.