Review on design strategies and applications of metal-organic framework-cellulose composites

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are among the most attractive functional porous materials. However, their processability and handling remains a substantial challenge because MOFs generally occur in powder form due to their crystalline nature. Combining MOFs and cellulose substrates to fabricate engineered materials offers an ideal solution to broaden their utilization as functional materials. MOF/cellulose composites further provide remarkable mechanical properties, tunable porosity, and accessible active sites of MOFs. In this review, we summarize current state-of-the-art fabrication routes for MOF/cellulose composites, with a specific focus on the unique potential of utilizing three-dimensional bio-based cellulosic scaffolds. We highlight their utilization as adsorbents in the gas and liquid phase, for antibacterial and protein immobilization, chemical sensors, electrical energy storage, and other emerging applications. In addition, we discuss current limitations and potential future research directions in the field of MOF/cellulose composites for advanced functional materials.

Automated summary

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) combined with cellulose substrates to fabricate engineered materials provide excellent mechanical properties, tunable porosity, and accessible active sites. Current state-of-the-art fabrication routes focusing on three-dimensional bio-based cellulosic scaffolds show unique potential for MOF/cellulose composites. These composites have broad applications in gas and liquid adsorption, antibacterial and protein immobilization, chemical sensors, and electrical energy storage.