Highly uniform hollow CuCo2S4@C dodecahedra derived from ZIF–67 for high performance lithium–ion batteries

Mixed transition metal sulfides attract much interests for their potentials as electrode materials for rechargeable batteries in view of their high theoretical specific capacities, low costs, and environmental friendliness . Combining the porous structure and high stability of ZIF , here we obtain a CuCo 2 S 4 material with zeolite imidazole ester structure by using ZIF-67 as the precursor. The obtained particles are hollow dodecahedra with size of about 500 nm and shell thickness of about 30 nm. As an anode material for lithium ion batteries , CuCo 2 S 4 @C dodecahedra can deliver an initial discharge capacity of 1715.0 mAh g −1 at 100 mA g −1 , and a reversible capacity of 1100.8 mAh g −1 can be maintained after 200 cycles. The reason caused the high-performance electrochemical activities is also explored. This work presents a nice routine to synthesize metal–organic frameworks–derived carbon-based nanocomposites for energy storage. • The design and synthesis of hollow CuCo 2 S 4 @C dodecahedra derived from ZIF–67 by a solvothermal–annealing method. • Hollow CuCo 2 S 4 @C exhibits a reversible capacity of 1100 mAh g −1 after 200 cycles at 0.1 A g −1 . • Carbonized MOF structure provides good conductivity and Li + transmission channels.