Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs)
are intrinsically porous
extended solids formed by coordination bonding between organic ligands
and metal ions or clusters. High electrical conductivity is rare in
MOFs, yet it allows for diverse applications in electrocatalysis,
charge storage, and chemiresistive sensing, among others. In this
Review, we discuss the efforts undertaken so far to achieve efficient
charge transport in MOFs. We focus on four common strategies that
have been harnessed toward high conductivities. In the “through-bond”
approach, continuous chains of coordination bonds between the metal
centers and ligands’ functional groups create charge transport
pathways. In the “extended conjugation” approach, the
metals and entire ligands form large delocalized systems. The “through-space”
approach harnesses the π–π stacking interactions
between organic moieties. The “guest-promoted” approach
utilizes the inherent porosity of MOFs and host–guest interactions.
Studies utilizing less defined transport pathways are also evaluated.
For each approach, we give a systematic overview of the structures
and transport properties of relevant materials. We consider the benefits
and limitations of strategies developed thus far and provide an overview
of outstanding challenges in conductive MOFs.