Elastic properties related energy conversions of coordination polymers and metal–organic frameworks

Coordination polymers and metal–organic frameworks are now at the forefront of materials science due to their abundant structural variability and facile functional tunability. Mechanical properties of coordination polymers and metal–organic frameworks are critically important since they determine the reliability and durability during service of these materials in any future industrial applications. More importantly, the elastic properties of these materials are directly related to several energy conversion processes which include piezoelectricity, barocaloric effects, and thermoelectricity. To highlight recent progress in this fast-growing field, we summarize the elastic properties of coordination polymers and metal–organic frameworks, and overview their three kinds of energy conversions closely related to elastic properties in this review. Moreover, we discuss the intrinsic relationship between elastic and energy properties. Finally, current challenges are discussed and future trends are envisioned for this promising field.