Pristine MOF materials have emerged as promising candidates for modifying separators in lithium-sulfur (Li–S) batteries to address the challenges of polysulfide shuttle effects and sluggish redox kinetics. MOFs, with their porous structure, high adsorption capacity, and tunable properties, offer effective solutions for polysulfide interception and lithium-ion conduction. This review summarizes recent advancements in using pristine MOF materials as separator modifiers, highlighting design strategies such as pore environment modification, metal site construction, conductive MOF design, morphology control, and MOF carbon composites. These strategies aim to enhance electrochemical performance by improving polysulfide adsorption, catalytic conversion, and lithium-ion transport. The review also discusses the challenges in MOF-based separators, including limited conductivity and the need for optimized thickness and structure. Future research directions include developing more efficient MOF-based separators with enhanced performance and stability. Overall, MOFs show great potential in advancing Li–S battery technology by addressing key challenges through innovative design and material engineering.Pristine MOF materials have emerged as promising candidates for modifying separators in lithium-sulfur (Li–S) batteries to address the challenges of polysulfide shuttle effects and sluggish redox kinetics. MOFs, with their porous structure, high adsorption capacity, and tunable properties, offer effective solutions for polysulfide interception and lithium-ion conduction. This review summarizes recent advancements in using pristine MOF materials as separator modifiers, highlighting design strategies such as pore environment modification, metal site construction, conductive MOF design, morphology control, and MOF carbon composites. These strategies aim to enhance electrochemical performance by improving polysulfide adsorption, catalytic conversion, and lithium-ion transport. The review also discusses the challenges in MOF-based separators, including limited conductivity and the need for optimized thickness and structure. Future research directions include developing more efficient MOF-based separators with enhanced performance and stability. Overall, MOFs show great potential in advancing Li–S battery technology by addressing key challenges through innovative design and material engineering.