Improving Electron and Ion Transport in Nano-Si Anodes through Integration with Conductive Nano-Metal–Organic Frameworks
Fei Dou, Yanfangchen Chang, Yanfei Zhang, Qianli Ma, Tsung-Yi Chen, Yan Yan, Yangyang Sun, Xiaotian Guo, Chenhui Yin, Huijie Zhou, Han‐Yi Chen, Huan Pang
Abstract
Conductive metal–organic frameworks (c-MOFs) and nanosilicon (nano-Si) composites (Si–M–HHTP, M = Co, Ni, or Cu, HHTP = 2,3,6,7,10,11-hexahydroxytriphenylene) were synthesized using a single-step methodology to enhance the performance of nano-Si anodes in lithium-ion batteries. The promoting role of M–HHTP is reflected in the following: (i) extensive π–d conjugation enhances electrical conductivity; (ii) molecules stack into 2D rods for rapid Li + transport; (iii) 2D rods construct a 3D structure to mitigate volume expansion. Electrochemical tests demonstrate that the 3D structure and conductive M–HHTP play a significant role in stabilizing the long-term cycling performance and enhancing rate capabilities. Moreover, the varying electrochemical properties observed in Si–Co–HHTP, Si–Ni–HHTP, and Si–Cu–HHTP can be attributed to the different electrochemical interactions between Co 2+, Ni 2+, and Cu 2+ center coordination ions and Li + . The synergistic integration of nano-Si and c-MOFs presents a compelling approach for the development of high-performance lithium-ion batteries with high capacities, extended cycle lives, and superior rate performance.