In situ exsolution of metallic Cu in mixed oxides as battery-type electrode for energy storage devices

Abstract

• Atomic coupled metal/mixed oxide heterostructure is prepared by in situ exsolution method. • Exsolved Cu from mixed oxides promote the electrochemical performance. • Surface reconstruction of the heterostructure electrode leads to capacity recovery. The performances of transition-metal oxides as battery-type electrodes can be effectively enhanced by optimizing their intrinsic properties and integrating conductive components. Herein, an in situ exsolution strategy was used to prepare metallic Cu/mixed oxides heterostructured electrodes that containing multi-cations (Cu 2+ , Ni 2+ , and Co 2+ ). The synergetic effects of the uniformly distributed metallic Cu components, a compact metal/oxides interface, and a mesoporous structure ensures that the prepared heterostructured electrodes have enhanced redox reactivity. A Cu@CuNiCoO nanowire electrode gave a high specific capacity (1054 C g −1 ), and rate capacity, and had superior cycling stability. Our work broadens the scope of metal/oxides heterostructured electrodes for energy storage.