Chinese Journal of Catalysis ›› 2025, Vol. 79: 32-67.DOI: 10.1016/S1872-2067(25)64817-0

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Electrospinning technology combined with MOFs: Bridging the development of high-performance zinc-air batteries

Haotian Guoa, Lulu Zhaoa, Xinyu Liua, Jing Lib, Pengfei Wanga, Zonglin Liua, Linlin Wanga, Jie Shuc, Tingfeng Yia,b,d,*()   

  1. aSchool of Materials Science and Engineering, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, Liaoning, China
    bState Key Laboratory of Environmental-Friendly Energy Materials, School of Materials and Chemistry, Southwest University of Science and Technology, Mianyang 621010, Sichuan, China
    cSchool of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Ningbo University, Ningbo 315211, Zhejiang, China
    dKey Laboratory of Dielectric and Electrolyte Functional Material Hebei Province, School of Resources and Materials, Northeastern University at Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao 066004, Hebei, China
  • Received:2025-05-25 Accepted:2025-07-28 Online:2025-12-18 Published:2025-10-27
  • Contact: Tingfeng Yi
  • About author:Ting-Feng Yi (School of Resources and Materials, Northeastern University at Qinhuangdao) received M.S. degree in 2004 and Ph.D. degree in 2007 from Harbin Institute of Technology. He joined the Anhui University of Technology as an assistant professor in 2007 and was promoted to a full professorship in 2011. His research focuses on electrocatalysis, water electrolysis and chemical energy conversation, combining experimental investigations with theoretical simulation. He has published over 240 peer-reviewed papers and holds 17 Chinese invention patents and 2 Dutch invention patents. His work has been cited over 11,000 times. In addition, as editor in chief, he also wrote two books: Electrode Materials for Lithium Ion Batteries, and Fundamentals and Applications of Sodium Ion Batteries. He was invited as a member of the Senior Editorial Board of Acta Physico-Chimica Sinica Since 2024.
  • Supported by:
    National Natural Science Foundation of China(52574348);National Natural Science Foundation of China(52374301);Open Project of State Key Laboratory of Environment-friendly Energy Materials(24kfhg06);Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province(E2024501010);Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province(B2024501004);Shijiazhuang Basic Research Project(241790667A);Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(N2423013);Performance Subsidy Fund for Key Laboratory of Dielectric, Electrolyte Functional Material Hebei Province(22567627H)

Abstract:

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are porous materials formed by the coordination of organic and inorganic components through coordination bonds. MOF-derived materials preserve the large surface area and inherent porosity of their parent structures, while simultaneously offering enhanced electrical conductivity and more efficient charge transport. Studies have shown that integrating electrospinning with MOFs into continuous nanofiber networks can effectively address issues such as MOF structural collapse, low conductivity, and leaching of active sites. Moreover, the electrospinning technique enables fine-tuning of the product’s morphology, architecture, and chemical composition, thereby unlocking new possibilities for advancing high-performance ZABs. This review provides a systematic overview of recent advances in non-precious metal electrocatalysts derived from electrospun-MOF composites and examines the unique advantages of combining electrospinning with MOF precursors in the design of oxygen electrocatalysts. It also investigates the morphological regulation of various fiber structures, including porous, hollow, core-shell, and beaded structures, as well as their influence on the catalytic performance. Finally, the performance enhancement strategies of electrospun-MOF catalyst materials are examined, and the development prospects along with future research directions related to oxygen electrocatalysts based on electrospun nanofibers are emphasized. This thorough review aims to offer meaningful insights and practical guidance for advancing the understanding, design, and fabrication of next-generation devices for energy conversion and storage.

Key words: Zinc-air battery, Oxygen reduction reaction, Oxygen evolution reaction, Electrospinning, Metal-organic frameworks, Nanofibers