A Redox-Active 2D Metal-Organic Framework for Efficient Lithium Storage with Extraordinary High Capacity

Metal-organic framework cathodes usually exhibit low capacity and poor electrochemical performance for Li-ion storage owing to intrinsic low conductivity and inferior redox activity. Now a redox-active 2D copper-benzoquinoid (Cu-THQ) MOF has been synthesized by a simple solvothermal method. The abundant porosity and intrinsic redox character endow the 2D Cu-THQ MOF with promising electrochemical activity. Superior performance is achieved as a Li-ion battery cathode with a high reversible capacity (387 mA h g(-1)), large specific energy density (775 Wh kg(-1)), and good cycling stability. The reaction mechanism is unveiled by comprehensive spectroscopic techniques: a three-electron redox reaction per coordination unit and one-electron redox reaction per copper ion mechanism is demonstrated. This elucidatory understanding sheds new light on future rational design of high-performance MOF-based cathode materials for efficient energy storage and conversion.