One-Step Catalytic Synthesis of CuO/Cu₂O in a Graphitized Porous C Matrix Derived from the Cu-Based Metal-Organic Framework for Li- and Na-Ion Batteries

The hybrid composite electrode comprising CuO and Cu₂O micronanoparticles in a highly graphitized porous C matrix (CuO/Cu₂O-GPC) has a rational design and is a favorable approach to increasing the rate capability and reversible capacity of metal oxide negative materials for Li- and Na-ion batteries. CuO/Cu₂O-GPC is synthesized through a Cu-based metal-organic framework via a one-step thermal transformation process. The electrochemical performances of the CuO/Cu₂O-GPC negative electrode in Li- and Na-ion batteries are systematically studied and exhibit excellent capacities of 887.3 mAh g^-1 at 60 mA g^-1 after 200 cycles in a Li-ion battery and 302.9 mAh g^-1 at 50 mA g^-1 after 200 cycles in a Na-ion battery. The high electrochemical stability was obtained via the rational strategy, mainly owing to the synergy effect of the CuO and Cu₂O micronanoparticles and highly graphitized porous C formed by catalytic graphitization of Cu nanoparticles. Owing to the simple one-step thermal transformation process and resulting high electrochemical performance, CuO/Cu₂O-GPC is one of the prospective negative active materials for rechargeable Li- and Na-ion batteries.