Metal organic framework derived Co3O4/Co@N–C composite as high-performance anode material for lithium-ion batteries

In this work, a scalable approach of preparing Co3O4/Co@N–C composite derived from metal organic frameworks (MOFs) is developed. After consecutive carbonization and oxidation of MOFs at different calcination temperatures, a series of nanocomposite consisting of Co3O4, conductive Co nanoparticles, and Nitrogen doped (N-doped) mesoporous carbon are obtained via in-situ polymerization strategy. When employed as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the Crystalline-Co3O4/Co@N–C-700 (Cry-Co3O4/Co@N–C-700) electrode has shown high reversible specific capacity of 896.5 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, excellent rate capability of 376.2 mAh g−1 at a large current density of 2 A g−1, and robust long-term capacity retention rate of 96.0% at 0.2 A g−1 after 50 cycles. Such superior lithium storage performance could be attributed to the unique porous structure which composed of well-dispersed Co3O4 and conductive Co nanoparticles together with N-doped carbon skeleton. The unique structure can effectively improve the conductivity and act as a buffer medium to alleviate the volume change, which shows potential application for new energy storage materials. Co3O4/Co@N–C Composite are synthesized derived from ZIF-67 single-source precursor via high-temperature calcination strategy and evaluated as anode materials for Li-ion batteries. Benefit from the strong binding between Co3O4/Co nanoparticles and nitrogen doped carbon matrix, the composite electrode materials have shown high reversible specific capacity, good rate capability and cycling stability. [Display omitted] •A scalable approach of preparing Co3O4/Co@N–C composite from ZIF-67 is developed.•High reversible discharge capacity of 896.5 mAh g−1 is obtained at 0.1 A g−1.•The capacity retention rate of 96.0% is achieved at 0.2 A g−1 after 50 cycles.•The good performance could be ascribed to the synergy effect of multiple components.