Fabrication of metal-organic frameworks-derived porous NiCo2O4 nanofibers for high lithium storage properties

In this study, the NiCo2O4 nanofibers derived from metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are produced through electrospinning, in situ growth with following calcination. The electrode materials with various morphologies are developed by adjusting the in situ growth duration. The NiCo2O4-6 (NCO-6) nanofibers grown for 6 h exhibit large specific surface area (SSA, 151 m2 g−1) and massive pore structures. Upon applying as anode for LIBs, high discharge capacities of 1584 and 877 mAh g−1 are delivered in the first and 300th cycle at 0.3 A g−1. After cycling at different current densities ranging from 0.3 to 1.2 A g−1, the reversible capacity of 970 mAh g−1 is sustained once the current density is reversed to 0.3 A g−1. Such an excellent cycle and rate stability of the prepared NCO-6 electrode is attributed to its distinct structure which significantly reliefs the volume expansion and consequently improves lithium-ion intercalation/deintercalation efficiency.