Mesoporous spindle-like hollow CuO/C fabricated from a Cu-based metal-organic framework as anodes for high-performance lithium storage

A spindle-like Cu-based metal-organic framework was successfully synthesized under microwave-assisted reaction. When treated as a precursor by pyrolysis of this Cu-MOF at 700 °C under air atmosphere, porous hollow CuO/C composites were prepared and tested as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The CuO/C electrode manifests an excellent specific capacity of about 789 mAh g −1 at a current of 100 mA g −1 after 200 cycles, together with superior cyclic stability and remarkable rate capacity, which is supposed to benefit from the large accessible surface area and unique hollow interior structure. The remarkable performances make it a promising anode material for LIBs.