Lithium extraction by metal–organic frameworks

The extraction of lithium has become increasingly critical due to the soaring demand for lithium-ion batteries, which power a wide range of products from smartphones to electric vehicles. Lithium, the lightest metal, boasts exceptional energy density, making it ideal for portable electronics and renewable energy storage solutions, addressing environmental pollution issues simultaneously. However, extracting and recycling lithium ions is highly challenging due to its low natural abundance, significant mining difficulties, and environmental concerns. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), with their intricate and designable structures as well as abundant and regulated pore environments, have emerged as promising candidates for lithium extraction. The tailored porous structures of MOFs could enable efficient lithium ion sieving and capture. This review aims to discuss the design principles of targeted MOFs and their lithium extraction capabilities, as well as the common analysis methods during these processes. We seek to provide a comprehensive summary of the field and promote the development of advanced materials for practical lithium extraction applications.