Synthesis of MOF-74-derived carbon/ZnCo2O4 nanoparticles@CNT-nest hybrid material and its application in lithium ion batteries

Carbon/ZnCo2O4 nanoparticles’ hybrid highly dispersed within a carbon nanotube nest were synthesized by the carbonization of in situ formed MOF-74-ZnCo/CNT hybrid materials. Results demonstrated that the synthesized mixed transition metal oxides/carbon/CNT composite provided a stable energy density of 800 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1. It could also provide a reversible capacity of 430 mAh g−1 under a high current of 2000 mA g−1 even after 1000 cycles. The outstanding performances of C/ZnCo2O4@CNT can be accredited to the synergistic effects from the porous nanostructured bi-metal oxides, the carbon and the CNT nest. These properties can improve the conductance of the material, alleviate the stress on ZnCo2O4 nanoparticles through accommodating the volume variation during lithium exchange processes, and offer fast diffusion roads for ions and more active sites for lithium storage.