Self-assembly formation of hollow Ni-Fe-O nanocage architectures by metal-organic frameworks with high-performance lithium storage

A hollow hybrid Ni-Fe-O nanomaterial (NiFe2O4) is synthesized using a precursor of metal-organic frameworks through a simple and cost-effective method. The unique hollow nanocage structures shorten the length of Li-ion diffusion. The hollow structure offers a sufficient void space, which sufficiently alleviates the mechanical stress caused by volume change. Besides, the hybrid elements allow the volume change to take place in a stepwise manner during electrochemical cycle. And thus, the hierarchical hollow NiFe2O4 nanocage electrode exhibits extraordinary electrochemical performance. The stable cyclic performance is obtained for all rates from 1 C to 10 C. Even when the current reaches 10 C, the capacity can also arrive at 652 mAhg(-1). Subsequently, a specific capacity of ca. 975 mAhg(-1) is recovered when the current rate reduces back to 1 C after 200 cycles. This strategy that derived from NMOFs may shed light on a new route for large-scale synthesis of hollow porous hybrid nanocages for energy storage, environmental remediation and other novel applications.