Multidimensionally decorated carbon nanofiber through one-step electrospinning with metal-organic framework-derived carbon as high-performance anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs), featuring one-dimensional continuous channels for charge transport and three-dimensional conductive networks, have demonstrated promising cycling stability as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, the inherent dense and robust structures of raw CNFs typically limit the storage space for lithium ions. Herein, we propose a one-step electrospinning composite approach aimed at multidimensionally decorating the structures of CNFs with active nitrogen, carbon defects and mesopores. Specifically, polyacrylonitrile (PAN) polymers are electrospun in conjunction with zeolitic imidazolate (ZIF-8) to form a distinctive carbonaceous composite, which simultaneously inherits the advantages of stable CNFs and porous nitrogen-doped carbon. Consequently, the as-prepared metal-organic framework (MOF)-derived carbon (c-ZIF)/CNFs composite (c-ZIF/CNFs-2, with ZIF-8: PAN = 1:2) electrode exhibits a high specific capacity and cycling stability for LIBs. The reversible specific capacity can reach 542 mAh g−1 with an initial coulombic efficiency of 70.9 %, which is significantly higher than those of the ZIF-8-derived carbon and CNFs electrodes. Furthermore, a capacity of 393 mAh g−1 can be retained after 500 cycles at 1.0 A g−1, corresponding to a capacity retention of 99.0 %. [Display omitted] •Simultaneous introduction of additional active N, defects and mesopores in CNFs.•The composite electrode delivers high specific capacity with improved ICE.•This electrode has excellent cycle stability and high capacity retention.•This method can be an effective way to manufacture advanced anodes.