Heteromat-framed metal-organic coordination polymer anodes for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Electroactive organic-based electrode materials have garnered considerable attention as an emerging candidate to replace inorganic counterparts because of their lightweight, mechanical flexibility, and molecular diversity. Yet, their low energy and power densities associated with poor electronic conductivity and limited ion accessibility often impose a critical impediment for practical applications. Herein, we report that all-fibrous heteromat framework comprising intermingled polyacrylonitrile nanofibers and carbon nanotubes offers three-dimensional bicontinuous electron/ion conductive pathways toward organic-based active materials. At the same time, the framework eliminates heavy metallic current collectors to allow the overall mechanical flexibility of the rechargeable system. Nickel 2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylate (NiNDC) is prepared as a model organic-based anode material for this electrode strategy. Driven by the structural uniqueness, the self-standing heteromat NiNDC anode ultimately affords facile redox kinetics and outstanding electrochemical performance, while surpassing the performance of conventional lithium-ion battery organic-based anodes.