An insight into the pyrolysis process of metal–organic framework templates/precursors to construct metal oxide anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been utilized as templates/precursors for the synthesis of metal oxide anode materials of lithium-ion batteries, due to their large accessible surface, tunable pore size, and various metal centers. However, the same phase of materials derived from different MOFs could show diverse capacities and performances. In this study, aiming at an in-depth understanding of the structural relationship between the precursors and the product, we chose two MOFs with the same linker as templates/precursors for Co₃O₄ nanomaterials. The structure and component evolution in the pyrolysis process were analyzed, and the electrochemical properties of the resulting Co₃O₄ were studied. The results showed that the concentration of metal centers and the strength of coordination bonds in the MOFs were critical factors that determined the morphology and performances of the resulting material.