Metal-organic framework derived Fe2O3@NiCo2O4 porous nanocages as anode materials for Li-ion batteries

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with high surface areas and uniform microporous structures have shown potential application in many fields. Here we report a facial strategy to synthesize Fe2O3@NiCo2O4 porous nanocages by annealing core-shell Co3[Fe(CN)6]2@Ni3[Co(CN)6]2 nanocubes in air. The obtained samples have been systematically characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM and N2 adsorption-desorption analysis. The results show that the Fe2O3@NiCo2O4 porous nanocages have an average diameter of 213 nm and a shell thickness of about 30 nm. As anode materials for Li-ion batteries, the Fe2O3@NiCo2O4 porous nanocages exhibit a high initial discharge capacity of 1311.4 mA h g(-1) at a current density of 100 mA g(-1) (about 0.1 C). The capacity is retained at 1079.6 mA h g(-1) after 100 cycles. The synergistic effect of the different components and the porous hollow structure contributes to the outstanding performance of the composite electrode.