Chapter 5: Mechanical Energy Absorption of Metal–Organic Frameworks

The absorption of mechanical energy is becoming a promising application of MOF materials, which is important to the protection from damages and injuries associated with mechanical impact, vibration, or explosion. MOFs can absorb energy through solid–liquid interaction in nanopores or framework deformation under mechanical pressure. Energy absorption through these mechanisms can be amplified by the high surface area and porosity of MOFs and achieve a higher energy density than conventional energy absorption materials. For example, the pressurised intrusion of a non-wetting liquid into MOF nanopores can absorb impact energy by generating a large solid–liquid interface, and the structural transition or plastic deformation of MOFs can also be exploited for energy absorption under extreme conditions. This chapter provides an overview of these energy absorption mechanisms and the performance of different materials, connecting the fundamental science of MOF mechanics to practical engineering solutions.