Recent advances in transition metal chalcogenide derivatives from metal-organic frameworks for lithium-sulfur batteries

Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) are regarded as promising next-generation energy-storage devices due to high energy density, low cost, and environmental friendliness. However, their commercial viability is hindered by the shuttle effect of lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) and slow redox kinetics. Transition metal chalcogenide derivatives (TMCs, including sulfides, selenides, and tellurides) from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are emerging nanomaterials that have garnered significant attention because of their high porosities, superior electron conductivities, excellent electrocatalytic activities, and high lithiophilicities. The potential of MOFs as templates to obtain TMCs for LSBs is increasingly being explored. This review highlights the latest developments of MOF-derived TMCs as catalytic materials for LSBs, focusing on the synthesis of these materials, modifications to electrodes and separators, and the reaction mechanism of LiPSs in the presence of MOF-derived catalysts to achieve high Coulombic efficiency and long cycle life. Finally, challenges and prospects for MOF-derived TMCs in LSBs are discussed.