Synthesis of Co-containing mesoporous carbon foams using a new cobalt-oxo cluster as a precursor

► A new trinuclear cobalt-oxo cluster (1) were obtained. ► 1 is joined by hydrogen bonds to construct a 3D structure showing bnn topology. ► 1 was further used to obtain Co-containing mesoporous carbon foams (Co-MCFs). ► Co-MCFs exhibit highly ordered mesostructure and uniform pore sizes. ► Electrochemical behaviors of Co-MCFs are obviously improved compared with pure MCFs.