Dual-Ligand Zn-Based Metal–Organic Framework as Reversible and Stable Anode Material for Next Generation Lithium-Ion Batteries

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have received intensive scientific attention as electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries because of their tailorable physical and chemical properties by incorporating different organic ligands. Herein, a zinc-based MOF (Zn-MOF) with a special dual-ligand system, tris(4-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)phenyl)amine and dihydroxylterepthate, as anode material for lithium-ion batteries is successfully fabricated. The activated Zn-MOF based battery delivered a reversible and efficient lithium storage capacity of ?200 mA h g?1 at 0.5 A g?1 with a 99% Coulombic efficiency over 1000 cycles. The sweep rate cyclic voltammetry and ex situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy on the electrode materials at different charging/discharging states reveal that lithium insertion in the organic moiety with a diffusion-controlled process plays a critical role in the storage mechanism of the Zn-MOF anode. Further spectroscopic analysis reveals the excellent material stability of dual-ligand Zn-MOFs with limited solid–electrolyte interface growth under long-term charge–discharge operation, which is beneficial for next-generation battery anodes. ? 2021 Wiley-VCH GmbH