Author Spotlight: Magnetometric Characterization of Intermediates in the Solid-State Electrochemistry of Redox-Active Metal-Organic Frameworks

Our research interest lies in understanding the electronic and spin states of 2D pi-d conjugated metal organic frameworks and their correlation with their electrochemical behavior of this MOFs in solid-state energy storage devices. In the last five years, many new 2D-conjugating MOF materials have been reported and studied for their use as active materials in electrochemical cells. However, the mechanism of their charge storage processes is still unclear.

Spectroscopic methods, including X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and the X-ray absorption fine structure are the mostly common used techniques in this field. Those techniques are crucial for categorizing the specific element's crystal structure and oxygen states. It is not possible to separate a 2D MOF from the device while analyzing its electrochemical intermediate state.

Measurement must be taken on a mixture that includes conductive additives and binders. However, to accurately determine the MOF's electrochemical behavior, it is necessary to calibrate the contribution of these additives. Most spectroscopic measures assume well localized electrons in MOFs, but our protocol provides a physical view and reveals strongly-correlated phenomena in these materials.

We will continue to better understand the electronic, magnetic, and quantum properties of 2D-conjugated MOFs and bridge the gap between coordination chemistry and solid-state physics through physical insights.