Polypyrrole-Decorated 2D Zn BioMOFs for Enhanced Supercapacitor Electrodes and Antibacterial Performance

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) possess high surface area and tunable porosity but suffer from poor conductivity, limiting their electrochemical performance. In this study, a zinc azelate Bio-MOF (Zn-Aza) was synthesized via a simple hydrothermal method and modified through in situ polymerization of pyrrole to form a conductive Zn-Aza/Ppy composite. The 2D platelet-like Zn-Aza/Ppy structure offers enhanced surface area and porosity, facilitating ion diffusion and improving charge storage. Electrochemical analysis revealed that the specific capacitance of Zn-Aza (≈714 mF cm−2) increased nearly fourfold after polypyrrole modification, maintaining ≈90% capacitance retention after 1000 cycles. Beyond energy storage, Zn-Aza/Ppy composite exhibited strong antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains. The Bio-MOFs were more effective against Gram-positive bacteria attributed to the synergistic action of zinc ions, azelaic acid, and polypyrrole. These components disrupt bacterial membranes and enzymatic systems, interfere with metabolism and replication, and induce electrostatic damage. Overall, the conductive Zn-Aza/Ppy nanocomposite demonstrates excellent electrochemical performance and potent antibacterial properties, establishing it as a promising multifunctional material for both supercapacitor and antimicrobial applications.