Interface engineering in metal oxide@metal–organic framework composites: synthesis strategies, structure–property relationships, and energy–environmental applications

Authors

• Sudhakar M, Saveetha School of Engineering
• Ganesh Kumar K, Saveetha School of Engineering
• Usha R, Saveetha School of Engineering
• Arunkumar R, Easwari Engineering College
• Mohamed Abbas, King Khalid University
• Vijayakumar Paranthaman, Universiti Malaya
• Chandrasekaran B, Saveetha School of Engineering

Document Type

Review

Publication Date

5-1-2026

Abstract

Metal oxide-metal organic framework (MO@MOF) composites have emerged as a versatile class of hybrid materials in which controlled interfacial architecture governs structure-property-performance relationships. In these systems, MOFs function not only as porous hosts but also as structural templates and precursors for generating metal oxides with tailored dispersion and defect chemistry. This review systematically examines synthetic strategies for constructing MO@MOF composites, including in situ growth, post-synthetic incorporation, and MOF-derived conversion routes, with particular emphasis on how these approaches regulate interfacial bonding, electronic coupling, and structural stability. Rather than focusing on a single application, the discussion highlights the central role of interface engineering in enhancing adsorption, photocatalysis, electrocatalysis, and energy storage performance. Key interfacial phenomena such as heterojunction formation, charge-transfer pathways, defect modulation, and nanoparticle confinement are critically analyzed to establish clear structure-interface-function correlations. Current challenges, including pore blockage, interfacial degradation, and scalability limitations, are also addressed alongside emerging design strategies for robust interface control. By consolidating recent advances in interface-mediated material design, this review provides fundamental insights and practical guidelines for developing high-performance MO@MOF composites for sustainable energy and environmental technologies.

Keywords

Energy, Environmental applications, Interface engineering, MO@MOF composites, Structure-property relationship

Publication Title

Inorganic Chemistry Communications

ISSN

1387-7003

DOI

10.1016/j.inoche.2026.116416

Recommended Citation

M, Sudhakar; K, Ganesh Kumar; R, Usha; R, Arunkumar; Abbas, Mohamed; Paranthaman, Vijayakumar; and B, Chandrasekaran, "Interface engineering in metal oxide@metal–organic framework composites: synthesis strategies, structure–property relationships, and energy–environmental applications" (2026). Research Publications (2026 to 2030). 117.
https://knova.um.edu.my/research_publications_2026_2030/117

Volume

187

Publisher

Elsevier