A sequential template electrodeposition anodization and in situ aniline electropolymerization-based facile electrochemical synthesis strategy

Abstract

Herein, we propose a facile continuous electrochemical synthesis strategy to build 3D hierarchical hybrid conductive networks based on sequential template electrodeposition-anodization and in-situ aniline electropolymerization. It was implemented in a tin system to prepare a 3D tin skeleton with micron-scale features using the hydrogen bubble dynamic template method, followed by electrochemical anodization to achieve nanoscale modulation. This well-designed 3D hierarchical metal oxide framework was used for the in-situ electropolymerization of aniline, preserving the hierarchical morphological features while establishing large conductive networks for ultrafast electron transport and enhancing the structural stability of tin dendrites. Regulation of the hierarchical morphologies promotes material surface reactivity, increases the electrochemically active sites, and improves the ion diffusion kinetics, thus solving the “dead surface” problem in the energy storage process. Such multifaceted synergistic strategies of structural modulation and functional hybridization have opened up new ways to design efficient binder-free hybrid electrode materials.