In-situ growth of NiAl layered double hydroxides on Ni-based metal-organic framework derived hierarchical carbon as high performance material for Zn-ion batteries

Abstract

The development of advanced active materials with high capacity, low-cost, and safety has become a requirement to meet future energy storage systems for electric vehicles. Herein, we report a rational in-situ synthesis of NiAl layered double hydroxides (LDHs) on Ni-based metal-organic framework (MOF)-derived porous carbons (PCs) material (NiAl-LDH/Ni@C) with cross-linking nanosheet structure and high electrical conductivity by a hydrothermal method. This unique structure design improves electrical conductivity, reduces internal resistance, and enables more electrochemically active sites to participate in chemical reactions through the strong interaction and synergy between the hierarchical structure of two-dimensional nanosheets and PCs. The results exhibit that NiAl-LDH/Ni@C composite possesses a large specific capacity (391.7 mAh g−1), high rate capability, and outstanding capacity retention stability (97.6%@10 A g−1 after 10,000 cycles). Furthermore, the as-assembled Zn-ion battery based on a NiAl-LDH/Ni@C cathode displays a remarkable capacity (345 mAh g−1@1 A g−1), excellent energy/power density (604.6 Wh kg−1/1.77 kW kg−1), and superb cycle durability (95.3%@2 A g−1). The proposed approach provides an unprecedented direction for designing advanced energy storage devices with high electrochemical performance.