ZIF-8 derived CuFe2O4 nanoparticles: Evolution of composition and microstructures, and their electrochemical performances as anode for lithium-ion batteries

Improving electrical conductivity and exposing more active surface area in metal-organic frameworks remains a challenge. Metal-organic frameworks (MOF) are interesting precursor for developing new Li-ion battery electrode materials (LIBs). Herein, we report a convenient and straightforward one-pot hydrothermal strategy to prepare MOF-derived CuFe2O4. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Transmission electron microscope (TEM), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) were used to evaluate the CuFe2O4 and CuFe2O4/ ZIF-8 composites. CuFe2O4/ZIF-8 nanocomposites showed a noticeable improvement electrochemical property in terms of increased the discharge/charge capacity of CuFe2O4/ZIF-8 was determined to be 1478/980 mAhg(-1) as an anode for lithium ion batteries. Similarly the pure CuFe2O4 electrode exhibits discharge/charge was 986/678 mAhg(-) (1). The coulomb efficiency of CuFe2O4/ZIF-8 and CuFe2O4 was 70.8 and 91.3% respectively. In the end of 10th cycle, the discharge /charge capacity of CuFe2O4/ZIF-8 was found to be 790/695 mAhg(- 1). Similarly the pure CuFe2O4 electrode exhibits discharge/charge was 560/535 mAhg(- 1). Whereas, the columbic efficiency of CuFe2O4/ZIF-8 and CuFe2O4 was 79 and 69.5%, respectively (10th cycle). These outstanding electrochemical capabilities suggest that CuFe2O4 anode materials generated from MOFs (ZIF-8) could be used in highperformance Li-ion batteries.