Incorporation of binary metal oxide and one dimensional carbon fiber hybrid nanocomposites for electrochemical energy storage applications

Abstract

Abstract Resilient metal oxide-support interaction is substantial to achieve high capacity and durability of carbon-supported hybrid nanocomposite anode materials in lithium ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, we report a cluster-like vapor grown carbon fiber/NiFe2O4 (VGCF/NFO) hybrid nanostructure using a facile hydrothermal method, followed by a calcination process in an inert atmosphere. In this rationally designed hybrid nanocomposite, one-dimensional (1D) vapor grown carbon fiber (VGCF) as a conductive matrix provide fast ionic transport and suppress the volume change of NiFe2O4 (NFO). Simultaneously, the strong covalent anchoring of NFO on VGCF delivers high capacity, exceptional rate capability and cycling stability, which are better than those of pristine NFO. Specifically, VGCF/NFO exhibit an initial discharge capacity of 1653 mA h g−1 at a current density of 100 mA g−1. Moreover, the VGCF/NFO composite exhibit a superior cycling durability and the discharge capacity about 574 mA h g−1 after 800 cycles at a high current density of 3000 mA g−1. Considering the advantage of exceptional electrochemical properties, a cluster-like VGCF/NFO hybrid nanocomposite is a promising alternative anode material and suggests an opportunity to increase lithium storage properties using 1D carbon fibers supported metal oxides with proper architecture and composition.