MOF-derived bi-metal embedded N-doped carbon polyhedral nanocages with enhanced lithium storage

To tackle the issue of the low specific capacity (372 mA h g−1) of graphite as the anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), an effective and controllable strategy was developed to construct porous bimetallic Co/Zn embedded N-doped carbon (Co–Zn/N–C) polyhedral nanocages via annealing a ZIF-8@ZIF-67 precursor at 800 °C under Ar atmosphere. The results clearly displayed that metallic Co and Zn particles are uniformly dispersed in the carbon matrix. Porous Co–Zn/N–C polyhedral nanocages have a large specific surface area of 349.12 m2 g−1 and contain plenty of micropores and mesopores, which benefit from the carbonization of organic ligands and the catalytic effect of cobalt in the calcination process. As anodes for LIBs, the porous Co–Zn/N–C polyhedral nanocages showed an initial discharge capacity of 809 mA h g−1 and a capacity retention of 702 mA h g−1 after 400 cycles at a current density of 0.2 A g−1. Furthermore, a reversible capacity of 444 mA h g−1 was obtained at a much higher current density of 2 A g−1. The improved electrochemical performance was attributed to the synergistic effect of Zn and Co, the unique porous hollow structure as well as N doping, which relieved the impact of volume changes, maintained perfect electrical conductivity throughout the electrode and enhanced the electrochemical activities of lithium storage.