NMOF self-templating synthesis of hollow porous metal oxides for enhanced lithium-ion battery anodes

Abstract

Hollow porous Fe₂O₃ hexagonal nanorods were fabricated via a facile and controllable approach using MOFs (Fe-MIL-88A) as both precursors and sacrificial templates. It has been found that Fe(OH)₃, which is formed on the surface of MOFs after treatment with NaOH solution, plays a significant role in maintaining its morphology during calcination. The interior of well-defined hollow porous Fe₂O₃ hexagonal nanorod structures is assembled by interconnected nanoparticles to form a porous structure. As anode materials for Li-ion batteries, the hollow porous Fe₂O₃ hexagonal nanorods exhibit long-term cycling stability (1219 mA h g⁻¹ after 100 cycles) and ultrahigh rate capability. The high electrochemical performance is attributed to the unique structure and morphology of the hollow porous nanorods.