Hierarchical Yolk-Shell-Structured Metal Oxide/Carbon Hybrid Powders for Anodes in Li-Ion Batteris

Abstract

Although yolk–shell structured transitional metal oxides (TMOs) with various compositions have been studied as anodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) thus far, their long-term cycle properties are unsatisfactory in practical implementation. In order to solve this problem, compositing TMOs with C materials could be a general and effective strategy, but with the traditional synthetic process for the yolk–shell structure, it is difficult to prepare the yolk-shell structured TMO/C hybrid. In this study, we introduce a novel facile synthetic strategy for the yolk-shell structured TMO/C hybrid microspheres, for the first time. In particular, the yolk has a coral-like structure with interconnected mesopores. The synergetic effects of the coral-like yolk-shell structure with well-defined interconnected mesopores and a highly conductive C content result in advanced anodes with excellent Li+ ion storage properties. The detailed formation mechanism of the structure and its electrochemical properties as anodes for LIBs were investigated, in detail.