First Exploration on Electrochemical Activation of Low‐Cost Albite Mineral for Boosting Lithium Storage Capability

Abstract

AbstractThe direct use of natural minerals for low‐cost energy storage is a promising solution toward large‐scale and affordable sustainable energy supply, but it is usually impeded by their inert electrochemical activity. In this work, electrochemically inert albite mineral layered particles are activated as a promising low‐cost anode material for electrochemical Li+ ion storage devices through a facile thermal reduction treatment technology. Via this strategy, partial SiO2 reduction within the albite mineral particles and a conductive carbon layer on the surface are simultaneously realized, which effectively addresses the issues of inactive lithium storage and poor electric conductivity of albite minerals. Via theoretical density functional theory calculations and molecular dynamics simulations, the activation mechanism of lithium storage achieved by silica reduction is understood. This innovatively activated albite mineral delivers a maximum specific capacity of >250 mAh g−1 based on a dominant surface‐driven capacitive storage mechanism, and demonstrates excellent capacity and cycling stability at high charging/discharging rates. This design opens a new pathway to address the current cost issue in energy devices, provides insights into producing cost‐effective anodes by using silica‐rich minerals, and gives an alternative solution for improving the chemical reactivity of inorganic natural minerals toward low‐cost and large‐scale energy storages.