Phosphorus decorated MOF-derived microflower-like carbon as a superior anode for lithium-ion batteries

Graphite carbon for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has received extensive attention due to the strong stability and moderate working potential. In spite of these advantages, the intrinsic low theoretical capacity and the poor interface compatibility severely restrict the practical application of graphite carbon. Herein, a rational strategy to improve lithium storage performance of carbon derived from metal organic frameworks (MOFs) is constructively employed by decorating with red phosphorus. Because of the unique structure and properties, nickel MOFs-derived micro flower carbon matrix can not only provide more active sites for lithium storage, but also facilitate the performance of red phosphorus sites. Furthermore, the carbon decorated with red phosphorus (P/Ni@C) are tightly anchored by P-O-C bonds to provide a guarantee for the synergistic effect. The P/Ni@C anode delivers a high discharge capacity of 1184.6 mAh g−1 over 400 cycles at 200 mA g−1 and high-rate capacity of 686.8 mAh g−1 at 2000 mA g−1, which demonstrate excellent cyclic stability and charge transfer kinetics, respectively.