Metal–Organic Framework-Derived Metal Oxide Embedded in Nitrogen-Doped Graphene Network for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are hybrid inorganic–organic materials that can be used as effective precursors to prepare various functional nanomaterials for energy-related applications. Nevertheless, most MOF-derived metal oxides exhibit low electrical conductivity and mechanical strain. These characteristics limit their electrochemical performance and hamper their practical application. Herein, we report a rational strategy for enhancing the lithium storage performance of MOF-derived metal oxide. The hierarchically porous Co3O4@NGN is successfully prepared by embedding ZIF-67-derived Co3O4 particles in a nitrogen-doped graphene network (NGN). The high electrical conductivity and porous structure of the NGN accelerates the diffusion of electrolyte ions and buffers stress resulting from the volume changes of Co3O4. As an anode material, the Co3O4@NGN shows high capacity (1030 mA h g–1 at 100 mA g–1), outstanding rate performance (681 mA h g–1 at 1000 mA g–1), and good cycling stability (676 mA h g–1 at 1000 mA g–1 after 400 cycles).