Brittle star-like nanoweb modified carbon cloth synthesized by self-templated hollow zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 for stable Li metal anodes

Li metal anode possesses the highest energy density among all anode candidates, but the dendrite growth impedes its application. Herein, a carbon cloth-assisted two-step self-template method was introduced to the synthesis of hollow zeolitic imidazolate framework-8, which exhibited a brittle star-like ZnO–N co-doped nano carbon web after annealing and acted as a promising stable Li metal anode (h-ZNCC-Li). The ZnO and N species are lithiophilic spots, which lead to a 4100 h stable Li plating/stripping process at a high current density and capacity of 10 mA/cm2 and 10 mAh/cm2, respectively. Moreover, at the end of the cycling, the brittle star-like h-ZNCC-Li anode displays a low-voltage hysteresis of 68 mV. The apparent chemical diffusion coefficient was calculated based on the impedance and cyclic voltammetry supporting the rapid diffusion mechanism. This work develops a unique and effective strategy of hollow metal-organic framework-derived carbon for lithium metal anode. [Display omitted] •Hollow-zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 is synthesized through a carbon cloth-assisted two-step self-template method.•The ZnO and N species are dual lithiophilic spots distributed in the nanocarbon web.•The composite Li electrode can enable a 4100 h stable Li plating/stripping process at 10 mA/cm2 and 10 mAh/cm2 with a voltage hysteresis of 68 mV.•This work designs a lithiophilic host derived from the self-template hollow metal-organic framework for lithium metal batteries.