Synthesis of MOF-74-derived carbon/ZnCo2O4 nanoparticles@CNT-nest hybrid material and its application in lithium ion batteries.

Carbon/ZnCo₂O₄ nanoparticles' hybrid highly dispersed within a carbon nanotube nest were synthesized by the carbonization of in situ formed MOF-74-ZnCo/CNT hybrid materials. Results demonstrated that the synthesized mixed transition metal oxides/carbon/CNT composite provided a stable energy density of 800 mAh g⁻¹ at 100 mA g⁻¹. It could also provide a reversible capacity of 430 mAh g⁻¹ under a high current of 2000 mA g⁻¹ even after 1000 cycles. The outstanding performances of C/ZnCo₂O₄@CNT can be accredited to the synergistic effects from the porous nanostructured bi-metal oxides, the carbon and the CNT nest. These properties can improve the conductance of the material, alleviate the stress on ZnCo₂O₄ nanoparticles through accommodating the volume variation during lithium exchange processes, and offer fast diffusion roads for ions and more active sites for lithium storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]