Cobalt-based metal organic framework with superior lithium anodic performance

The reversible charging of a Co-1,4-benzenedicarboxylate MOF (Co-BDC MOF) prepared via an one-pot solvothermal method was studied for use as the anode in a Li-ion cell. It was found that this MOF anode provides high reversible capacities (1090 and 611 mA h g⁻¹ at current densities of 0.2 and 1 A g⁻¹, respectively), and an impressive rate performance. Such an outstanding Li-ion storage property has not been reported previously for the LIB anodes within the MOFs category. Ex-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and infrared spectroscopy (IR) studies of this material at different state of charge suggest that cobalt stays at Co²⁺ state during discharge/charge process, so that in this case Li⁺ may be inserted into the organic moiety without the direct participation of cobalt ions.