Redox-active organic molecular salt of 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylic acid as lithium-ion battery anode

Hybrid organic–inorganic materials, particularly with a framework structure, have recently attracted much attention as redox electrode. In this work, we report for the first time, the electrochemical properties of redox-active organic molecular Li-salt derived from 1,2,4-benzenetricarboxylic acid (1,2,4-H₃BTC) as lithium-ion battery (LIB) anode. The organic molecular salt (1,2,4-Li-BTC), prepared by a simple low temperature (80 °C) solvothermal process, delivers a first cycle charge capacity of 162 mAhg⁻¹. Further, it is shown that preparing a composite electrode with 8 wt% MWCNT improves charge transport and alleviates the dissolution problem, resulting in steady cycling behaviour and good rate performance. The results show promise for this new class of anode with flat charge discharge profiles and a convenient working potential of ∼1.2 V vs. Li⁺/Li.