In situ synthesis of Cu2O–CuO–C supported on copper foam as a superior binder-free anode for long-cycle lithium-ion batteries†
Abstract
The present study reports a facile solvothermal method for a Cu-based metal–organic framework [Cu(BDC)]n (BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate) grown on porous copper foam, which is then in situ transformed into a multicomponent active Cu2O–CuO–C on copper foam for the first time by annealing under an air atmosphere. Scanning electron microscopy imaging indicates that the Cu2O–CuO–C composites were successfully immobilized on copper foam with high stability and good adhesion. Benefiting from the synergistic multidoping effects, the porous Cu2O–CuO–C/Cu with an optimized composition as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) exhibits a high discharge capacity (1321 mA h g−1) after 500 cycles at 0.1 A g−1. Moreover, this electrode presents superior cycling stability and rate capability. The introduction of the highly conductive copper foam substrate not only can act as a supporting substrate for immobilization of Cu2O–CuO–C composites but can also be regarded as an unimpeded highway for rapid charge transfer, resulting in the significant enhancement of lithium storage when tested as LIB anodes.