Multielectron-Transfer-based Rechargeable Energy Storage of Two-Dimensional Coordination Frameworks with Non-Innocent Ligands

The metallically conductive bis(diimino)nickel framework (NiDI), an emerging class of metal-organic framework (MOF) analogues consisting of two-dimensional (2D) coordination networks, was found to have an energy storage principle that uses both cation and anion insertion. This principle gives high energy led by a multielectron transfer reaction: Its specific capacity is one of the highest among MOF-based cathode materials in rechargeable energy storage devices, with stable cycling performance up to 300 cycles. This mechanism was studied by a wide spectrum of electrochemical techniques combined with density-functional calculations. This work shows that a rationally designed material system of conductive 2D coordination networks can be promising electrode materials for many types of energy devices.