Nanostructured conversion-type anode materials of metal-organic framework-derived spinel XMn2O4 (X = Zn, Co, Cu, Ni) to boost lithium storage
Xiaoke Zhang, Yanhua Peng, Chenghui Zeng, Zhi Lin, Yuling Zhang, Zhenyu Wu, Xuan Xu, Xiaoming Lin, Akif Zeb, Yongbo Wu, Lei Hu
Abstract
Bimetallic spinel transition metal oxides play a major part in actualizing eco-friendly electrochemical energy storage systems (ESSs). However, structural precariousness and low electrochemical capacitance restrict their actual implementation in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). To address these demerits, the sacrificial template approach has been considered as a prospective way to strengthen electrochemical stability and rate performance. Herein, metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) derived XMn 2 O 4 -BDC (H 2 BDC = 1,4-dicarboxybenzene, X = Zn, Co, Cu, Ni) are prepared by a hydrothermal approach in order to discover the effects of various metal cations on the electrochemical performance. Among them, ZnMn 2 O 4 -BDC displays best electrochemical properties (1321.5 mAh g −1 at the current density of 0.1 A g −1 after 300 cycles) and high efficiency with accelerated Li + diffusivity. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirm the ZnMn 2 O 4 possesses the weakest adsorption energy on Li + with a minimized value of −0.92 eV. In comparison with other XMn 2 O 4 through traditional fabrication method, MOF-derived XMn 2 O 4 -BDC possesses a higher number of Li + transport channels and better electric conductivity. This tactic provides a feasible and effective method for preparing bimetallic transition metal oxides and enhances energy storage applications.