High lithium anodic performance of flower-like carbon nanoflakes derived from MOF based on double ligands

Carbon-based anode materials with unique structure, high electrical conductivity, high Li storage performance and excellent cycling stability are promising alternatives to traditional graphite anode materials in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Here we report a flower-like carbon material with hierarchical structure that is prepared by carbonization of a flower-like Zn-based metal-organic framework (MOF). The 2D layered MOF network precursor, namely [Zn(BDC)(MelM)·(DMF)] (BDC = benzene dicarboxylic acid, MelM = 2-Methylimidazole), is constructed using two ligands under solvothermal conditions. As an anode material for LIBs, these carbon nanoflakes exhibit remarkable electrochemical performance (capacity, cyclability, and rate capability); the capacity of 902.5 mAh g−1 was retained after 200 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g−1. The remarkable performance results from the unique morphology of carbon nanoflakes which is beneficial for infiltration of electrolyte and the transportation of Li ions.