Metal organic framework (MOF)–derived iron oxide@nitrogen–doped carbon nanocomposites as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Iron oxide (Fe2O3) has shown great potential to substitute carbon-based anode materials for lithium-ion batteries because of its high theoretical specific capacity. However, its huge volume change during the lithiation and de-lithiation processes has restricted its extensive application. Herein, we design a nitrogen-doped carbon-coated iron oxide (Fe2O3@NC) from Material of Institute Lavoisier (MIL)-53 (Fe) by a solvothermal method. Nitrogen-doped carbon can release the expansion stress of Fe2O3 to ensure the structural integrity and ameliorate electronic conductivity. Therefore, Fe2O3@NC displays a specific capacity of 875.4 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 after 100 cycles and a good cycling stability of 342 mAh g−1 at a high rate of 500 mA g−1 in the best case.