Solution-processed, cost-effective synthesis of MOF-199 and its application to aqueous rechargeable aluminum-ion pouch cell battery

We report a facile synthesis of the metal–organic framework, MOF-199 (Cu-BTC) using a low-cost solution-processed method forming homogeneous crystals. The structural and electrochemical properties are determined by the implementation of applicable experimental techniques. The structure is determined by X-ray diffraction pattern simulation, and the X-ray diffraction pattern affirms the tetragonal MOF-199. Estimated parameters of the MOf-199 designate potential application in aluminum-ion batteries. Furthermore, ohmic and charge transfer resistances are evaluated for the aqueous Zn-Al/MOF-199 battery corresponding to charge carrier transfer rates by the use of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Trivalent Al³⁺ locally deposits on the Zinc anode during charging. The battery shows a high open-circuit voltage of 1.25 V, and the maximum specific capacity observed by galvanostatic charge–discharge is ~ 146 mAh/g at 55.5 mAh/g current density. Al/MOF-199 exhibited only around 4.5% degradation of the capacity for 100 cycles carried out at the current density of 55.5 mAh/g. The superior performance, scalable synthesis, and cost-effective approach to cell fabrication promote feasible applications.