In situ synthesis of Cu₂O-CuO-C supported on copper foam as a superior binder-free anode for long-cycle lithium-ion batteries

The present study reports a facile solvothermal method for a Cu-based metal-organic framework [Cu(BDC)]_n (BDC = 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate) grown on porous copper foam, which is then in situ transformed into a multicomponent active Cu₂O-CuO-C on copper foam for the first time by annealing under an air atmosphere. Scanning electron microscopy imaging indicates that the Cu₂O-CuO-C composites were successfully immobilized on copper foam with high stability and good adhesion. Benefiting from the synergistic multidoping effects, the porous Cu₂O-CuO-C/Cu with an optimized composition as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) exhibits a high discharge capacity (1321 mA h g^-1) after 500 cycles at 0.1 A g^-1. Moreover, this electrode presents superior cycling stability and rate capability. The introduction of the highly conductive copper foam substrate not only can act as a supporting substrate for immobilization of Cu₂O-CuO-C composites but can also be regarded as an unimpeded highway for rapid charge transfer, resulting in the significant enhancement of lithium storage when tested as LIB anodes.