Novel Gas‐Solid Reaction Grown Small‐Size Co‐MOFs on Electrospun Porous Carbon Nanofibers for High Capacity Lithium Storage

Abstract

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are considered potential electrode materials for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) in the future because of their structural diversity and high controllability. However, due to poor electrical conductivity and few exposed active sites caused by structural stacking, MOFs material is difficult to use as electrode material directly. Therefore, herein, a new preparation method is proposed. Specifically, vapors containing organic ligands reacted with porous carbon fibers loaded with metal ions under high temperature and pressure to prepare porous carbon nanofibers loaded with nanoscale Co‐MOF particles (Co‐MOF/Pcnf). Compared with the solvothermal method, the gas‐solid reaction method can limit the growth of MOFs to a certain extent. Nanoscale MOFs particles have a larger specific surface area, exposing more active sites. The introduction of porous carbon fibers enhances electrical conductivity. These properties have a positive effect on improving the performance and stability of the corresponding batteries. When used as an anode of LIBs, the Co‐MOF/Pcnf composite exhibits a specific capacity of 1036.9 mAh g−1 after 150 cycles at 0.5 A g−1 and an excellent long‐term cycling capability (820.33 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 300 cycles). This novel preparation method can provide ideas for future research on electrode materials for MOFs.