Design and synthesis of transition metal oxide/zeolitic imidazolate framework-67 composites

The design and synthesis of Metal-organic framework (MOF)-based composites with multiple-functionalities are highly desirable to overcome the disadvantages of pristine MOFs, such as chemical instability and poor electrical conductivity. Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) are a subfamily of MOFs, and ZIF-67 is composed of Co cations and imidazole-based ligands. Herein, we propose a strategy to fabricate Transition metal oxide (TMO)/ZIF-67 composites with a rhombic dodecahedron structure, accompanied by few partially unwrapped TMOs at the edge. To some extent, the prepared composites can acquire semiconductor properties and structural stability of TMOs, as well as high specific surface area and pore characteristics of ZIF-67. Interestingly, when applied as an anode material for lithium-ion battery, the Co3O4/ZIF-67 composite showed enhanced lithium storage properties. This work provides a strategy to design and synthesize TMO/MOF composites and develop their potential applications in the field of electrochemical energy storage.