Nanostructure engineering by surficial induced approach: Porous metal oxide-carbon nanotube composite for lithium-ion battery

Abstract Developing efficient materials is urgent to reach the challenging demand of next-generation energy devices from portable electronic devices to electric grids and electric vehicles. Nanostructure interface engineering is an emerging strategy to prepare advanced materials according to demand. Herein, we reported the surface induced metal organic frameworks (MOFs) on the layered double hydroxide (LDH) following the controlled pyrolysis, which results in the formation of various structural morphologies. Among others, in situ produced carbon nanotubes (CNTs) anchored Co-Ox are proposed as advantageous materials with coped properties suitable for next generation electrochemical devices such as Li-ion batteries. The MOF-inherited higher surface area and porosity with CNTs channels improved the easily transport of ions during charging/discharging process. Further, the well exposed Co-Ox are structurally flexible and own accessible sites for Li+ extraction/insertion that can alleviate drastic volumetric fluctuations during charge/discharge cycling. For the realization of concept, we assembled LIB, which showed a high initial specific discharge capacity of 948 mA h g−1 at 1 A g−1 of current density, a high reversible capacity of 723 mA hg−1 after a long cycling up to 500 cycles at 1 A g−1 of current density and excellent rate capability with ~ 97% capacity retention. Hence, the high electrochemical activity is ascribed to the porous carbon/carbon nanotubes stabilized by metal oxides nanoparticles, which is reflection of our synthetic strategy.