Metal-Organic Framework as Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries with High Capacity and Rate Performance

Because of the diversity of bonding properties between transition metal ions and multifunctional organic ligands, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with slow ion transport kinetics are considered as prospective materials for electrochemical energy storage. In this study, Ni-Mn-MOFs with a three-dimensional (3D) spherical structure were rationally synthesized via a hydrothermal method. The optimal electrode could provide rich redox active sites to guarantee enough Li+-storage capacity. The 3D microspheres assembled from MOF nanosheets not only provide an advantageous route for lithium-ion transport but the buffer volume also changes during the cycle because of the enhancement of electrochemical performance, resulting in a high capacity of 1380 mA h g(-1) and an outstanding cycle life of 200 cycles. Additionally, the influence of the solvent content of the complex on the electrochemical properties of MOFs was also investigated. The results of this study provided insights and mechanistic explanations for the design of MOFs for lithium-ion battery applications.