Reversible lithium storage in a porphyrin-based MOF (PCN-600) with exceptionally high capacity and stability

An iron porphyrin-based metal organic framework (namely PCN-600) is firstly used as an anodic electrode for lithium ion batteries (LIBs) with an extraordinary combination of capacity, rate capability, and cycling stability. The PCN-600 electrode delivers a reversible specific capacity as high as ∼1300 mA h g-1 at a current density of 0.4 A g-1, and the capacity is maintained at 610 mA h g-1 even when cycling at high current densities 760 times, which reaches a record value amongst the presented MOF electrode materials. At the same time, the presence of porphyrin ligands is beneficial for the transport of lithium ions and electrons, which will boost the rate performance of the PCN-600 electrode.