Metal–Organic Framework-Assisted Synthesis of Compact Fe(2)O(3) Nanotubes in Co(3)O(4) Host with Enhanced Lithium Storage Properties

Transition metal oxides are promising candidates for the high-capacity anode material in lithium-ion batteries. The electrochemical performance of transition metal oxides can be improved by constructing suitable composite architectures. Herein, we demonstrate a metal–organic framework (MOF)-assisted strategy for the synthesis of a hierarchical hybrid nanostructure composed of Fe(2)O(3) nanotubes assembled in Co(3)O(4) host. Starting from MOF composite precursors (Fe-based MOF encapsulated in a Co-based host matrix), a complex structure of Co(3)O(4) host and engulfed Fe(2)O(3) nanotubes was prepared by a simple annealing treatment in air. By virtue of their structural and compositional features, these hierarchical composite particles reveal enhanced lithium storage properties when employed as anodes for lithium-ion batteries. [Image: see text] ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s40820-018-0197-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.