Research progress and prospects of metal-organic framework materials in corrosion protection

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), with their tunable structures, large surface areas, and abundant functional groups, show great potential in corrosion protection. This review summarizes recent advances in MOF-based anticorrosion materials, covering synthesis methods, applications, challenges, and future directions. Preparation techniques such as microwave, room-temperature, hydrothermal/solvothermal, electrochemical, sonochemical, and mechanochemical syntheses are discussed, with analysis of their respective advantages and limitations. In applications, MOFs serve as nanofillers, corrosion inhibitors, nanocapsule-based self-healing agents, and superhydrophobic coatings. By enhancing barrier properties, mechanical strength, and enabling responsive inhibitor release, MOFs greatly improve corrosion resistance and self-healing capability. In addition to these advances, an analysis of cost and scalability is provided to assess the economic feasibility and industrial translation potential of MOF-based anticorrosion systems. Despite this progress, challenges remain in terms of production cost, scalability, and long-term stability. Future research should focus on clarifying MOF nucleation and structural regulation mechanisms, leveraging machine learning for material design, and developing cost-effective, eco-friendly, and scalable synthesis methods to advance the industrialization of high-performance MOF-based anticorrosion coatings.