Synthesis of ZIF-67 nanocubes with complex structures co-mediated by dopamine and polyoxometalate

Abstract

Construction of metal–organic frameworks with sophisticated nanostructures remains a considerable challenge. Herein, we report the rational design and synthesis of ZIF-67 nanoscaffolds and defected nanocubes co-mediated by dopamine and polyoxometalate. The formation of these sophisticated ZIF-67 nanostructures is achieved through the protection of dopamine and etching of polyoxometalate. As a demonstration, we have converted the ZIF-67 nanoscaffolds incorporated with molybdenum into carbon-coated cobalt–molybdenum mixed selenides (denoted as CoMoSe@C nanoscaffolds) with little alteration in the structure by reacting the ZIF-67 nanoscaffolds with selenium powder at high temperature. Benefiting from their unique structural merits, the CoMoSe@C nanoscaffolds exhibit enhanced lithium storage properties in terms of good cycling performance and superior rate capability.