Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) with diverse structural chemistry are being projected as futuristic electrode materials for Li-ion batteries. In this work, we report synthesis of Mn-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate MOF by a simple solvothermal method and its application as an anode material for the first time. Scanning electron microscopy of the synthesized MOF shows a bar shaped morphology where these bars, about 1 μm wide and of varied lengths between 2 and 20 μm, are made of porous sheets containing mesoporous walls and macroporous channels. The MOF anode, when examined in the potential window of 0.01-2.0 V versus Li/Li(+), shows high specific capacities of 694 and 400 mAh g(-1) at current densities of 0.1 and 1.0 A g(-1) along with good cyclability, retention of capacity, and sustenance of the MOF network. Ex situ X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies on the electrode material at different states of charge suggest that the usual conversion reaction for Li storage might not be applicable in this case. Conjugated carboxylates being weakly electron withdrawing ligands with a stronger π-π interaction, a probable alternative Li storage mechanism has been proposed that involves the organic moiety. The present results show promise for applying Mn-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate MOF as high performance <2 V anode.

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS(2))-multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) hybrids have been prepared by simple dry grinding. Excellent initial charge capacity (1214 mA h g(-1)) and ~85% retention after 60 discharge-charge cycles at different current densities (100-500 mA g(-1)) make MoS(2)-MWCNT (1 : 1) hybrids a superior anode in Li-ion batteries.

MOF derived CeO2 showed a pseudocapacitance of 1204 F g(-1) at 0.2 A g(-1), far exceeding its theoretical capacitance (560 F g(-1)). The present study demonstrates that combination of a two-way strategy, controlled nano-architecture and redox active electrolyte additive, could potentially alleviate both low energy density and capacitance fading issues plaguing the current metal oxide pseudocapacitors.