Hierarchical Cobalt-Based Metal-Organic Framework for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries

In the present work, a simple solvothermal method is developed for the synthesis of hierarchical Co-based metal-organic framework (H-Co-MOF) microflowers. These microflowers are composed of nanosheets, consisting of small nanoflakes. Upon application as an electrode material in Li-ion batteries, H-Co-MOF shows ultrahigh specific capacity and long cycling performance. For instance, a remarkably superior capacity of 1345 mA hg(-1) can be achieved after 100 cycles at a current density of 0.1 Ag-1. Even at 2 Ag-1, a large capacity of 828 mA hg(-1) is maintained after 700 cycles. This excellent electrochemical performance might be ascribed to the intrinsic properties and unique hierarchical structure of the Co-based MOF.