# Trimetallic Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework-Derived CoNiO2/NiCo2O4/NiFe2O4 Hierarchical Architecture: Unveiling Multi-Component Synergism for Ultrahigh-Capacity and Highly Stable Lithium Storage

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a new anode material for lithium-ion batteries that offers high capacity and stability by using a hierarchical structure derived from a metal-organic framework.

## Contribution

A novel trimetallic oxide compound with a hierarchical architecture is developed, showing exceptional lithium storage performance.

## Key findings

- The CFNO422 compound achieves a high reversible capacity of 1301.3 mAh g−1 after 120 cycles.
- It maintains 527.4 mAh g−1 over 600 cycles at 1.0 A g−1, demonstrating excellent cycling stability.
- The hierarchical structure accommodates volume changes and enhances electronic conductivity.

## Abstract

Transition metal oxides (TMOs) have been recognized as highly prospective anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to their low cost, high capacity, and distinctive lithiation mechanisms. Nevertheless, their practical adoption is constrained by significant volume changes during lithiation/delithiation, inferior electrical conductivity, severe particle agglomeration, unsatisfactory cycling stability, and limited rate performance. In an effort to mitigate these flaws, we developed a tactic employing a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) as the self-sacrificing template and tuning the Co/Fe/Ni ratio with a ZIF framework to prepare an innovative trimetallic metal–organic framework (MOF)-derived CoNiO2/NiCo2O4/NiFe2O4 compound (CFNO422) with nano/micro hierarchical architecture. The nano/micro hierarchical structure effectively accommodates volume changes, alleviates structural stress, and offers copious active sites for lithium storage. More importantly, the synergistic interaction among multiple component oxides promotes richer redox reactions and enhances electronic conductivity. Benefiting from the structural compatibility and composition, CFNO422 delivers an outstanding reversible capacity (1301.3 mAh g−1 up to 120 cycles at 0.2 A g−1), enhanced rate capability (614.3 mAh g−1 even at 2.0 A g−1), and exceptional cycling stability (527.4 mAh g−1 over 600 cycles at 1.0 A g−1). This research proposes a versatile synthesis for MOF-derived polymetallic oxides as anode materials, opening a new avenue for advanced energy storage.