Size matters: controlling metal-organic framework (MOF) dimensions for advanced energy conversion and storage

The versatility of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), both in structure and function, has positioned them at the forefront of materials research for advanced energy applications. Among the factors influencing MOF performance, controlling particle size and shape has become particularly important. Adjusting these morphological features is crucial for shaping porosity, surface area, diffusion processes, and mechanical stability, all of which directly affect their usefulness for gas storage, catalysis, and electrochemical energy storage. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent strategies for controlling MOF dimensions, focusing on methods ranging from coordination modulation and surfactant-assisted growth to energy-efficient techniques such as microwave and sonochemical synthesis. The discussion extends beyond synthesis to examine how reducing MOFs to sub-micrometer or nanoscale sizes enhances their surface reactivity, improves ion and electron transport, and increases durability under operational conditions. Notable examples include nano-MOFs used as high-capacity anode materials in lithium-ion batteries, as well as size-optimized frameworks in lithium‑sulfur systems that suppress polysulfide diffusion and enhance cycling stability. The integration of MOFs into hybrid systems, such as carbon composites and battery separators, opens new opportunities for material design that influence structural accuracy and multifunctionality. By emphasizing the connection between synthetic control and application-specific performance, this review highlights the critical role of size management in advancing the practical use of MOFs across next-generation energy devices. Additionally, it discusses the potential energy applications of nano-MOFs and how downsizing particles significantly affects their roles in energy storage and conversion.