Heterostructure Fe2O3 nanorods@imine-based covalent organic framework for long cycling and high-rate lithium storage

Fe2O3 as an anode for lithium-ion batteries has attracted intense attention because of its high theoretical capacity, natural abundance, and good safety. However, the inferior cycling stability, low-rate performance, and limited composite varieties hinder the application of Fe2O3-based materials. In this work, an Fe2O3@COF-LZU1 (FO@LZU1) anode was prepared via an imine-based covalent organic framework (COF-LZU1) covering on the exterior surface of Fe2O3 after rational optimization. With its unique heterostructure, the COF-LZU1 layer not only effectively alleviated the volume expansion during cycling but also improved the charge-transfer capability because of the x-conjugated system. Moreover, the organic functional group (C=N, benzene ring) for COF-LZU1 provided more redox-active sites for Li+ storage. Under the contributions of both Fe2O3 nanorods and COF-LZU1, the FO@LZU1(50%) exhibited an ultrahigh initial capacity and long-term cycling performance with initial discharge capacities of 2143 and 2171 mA h g(-1) after 300 cycles under 0.1 A g(-1), and rate performance of 1310 and 501 mA h g(-1) at 0.3 and 3 A g(-1), respectively. In addition, a high retention capacity of 1185 mA h g(-1) was achieved at 1 A g(-1) after 500 cycles. Furthermore, a full-cell with the FO@LZU1(50%) anode and LiCoO2 cathode exhibited superior cycling and rate performance, which still maintained a reversible capacity of 260 mA h g(-1) after 200 cycles even at a current density of 1 A g(-1). The proposed strategy offers a new perspective for exploring the high-rate capability and designability of Fe2O3-based electrode materials.

Automated summary

In this work, an Fe2O3@COF-LZU1 (FO@LZU1) anode was prepared by covering an imine-based covalent organic framework (COF-LZU1) on the surface of Fe2O3. The COF-LZU1 layer effectively alleviated volume expansion and improved the charge-transfer capability. The FO@LZU1(50%) demonstrated excellent capacity, cycling performance, and rate performance.