This mini-review summarizes progress in Zn-based metal–organic frameworks for post-combustion CO₂ capture and electrochemical conversion.

With over 150 countries committed to carbon neutrality, carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies are increasingly critical. Post-combustion CO₂ capture is particularly advantageous due to its compatibility with existing industrial infrastructure. Traditional adsorbents like aqueous amines and metal oxides face challenges including corrosion, secondary pollution, and high energy consumption during regeneration. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising alternatives due to their tunable porosity and functional versatility.

A mini-review published in Frontiers in Energy by researchers from Tsinghua University, Fuzhou University, and affiliated institutions summarizes progress in Zn-based MOFs for post-combustion CO₂ capture and electrochemical conversion.

The review outlines how Zn-based MOFs, such as MOF-74 and CALF-20, exhibit high CO₂ selectivity and capacity under flue gas conditions. CALF-20 shows a CO₂ adsorption capacity of 4.07 mmol/g and CO₂/N₂ selectivity of 230. It details strategies to enhance stability against water vapor and acidic gases through hydrophobic modification and optimized pore chemistry. Recent breakthroughs, including ZnH-MFU-4l, enable reversible CO₂ capture above 200 °C, with a capacity of 3.27 mmol/g at 150 °C, approaching the theoretical value of 3.3 mmol/g. The article also covers the role of Zn-based MOFs in electrocatalytic CO₂ reduction, where they facilitate conversion to value-added products like CH₄ and CO.

Zn-based MOFs offer a less toxic, energy-efficient pathway for integrated CO₂ capture and conversion. While issues such as scalability, interference resistance, and high-temperature performance remain, advances in material design and synthesis hold promise for more durable and efficient CCUS systems. This work provides a timely reference for developing MOF-based solutions to support global decarbonization efforts.

Original source:

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11708-025-1009-1

https://journal.hep.com.cn/fie/EN/10.1007/s11708-025-1009-1

Shareable link: https://rdcu.be/eSrKt

Keywords:

Zn-based metal-organic frameworks (Zn-based MOFs) / post-combustion capture / CO₂ reduction reaction (CO₂RR)