Functionalized Cu-MOF@CNT Hybrid: Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Applicability in Supercapacitors

The synthesis of a metal-organic framework (MOF) named IITI-1 is reported by employing an H₂ L linker with Cu(NO₃ )₂ ⋅3 H₂ O in a mixed solvent system of N,N-dimethyl formamide (DMF) and H₂ O. Further, in order to explore the energy storage application of IITI-1, a IITI-1/CNT hybrid was prepared by a simple ultrasonication technique. Incorporation of a carbon nanotube (CNT) in the layered IITI-1 MOF gave rise to enhanced electrolyte accessibility along with improved electrochemical storage capacity. The electrochemical investigations reveal a high specific capacitance (380 F g^-1 at 1.6 A g^-1 ) with a good rate performance for IITI-1/CNT. The IITI-1 MOF and the IITI-1/CNT composite were characterized by PXRD, BET, SEM, and TEM techniques. Moreover, IITI-1 MOF was also confirmed by single-crystal XRD analysis.