“Planting” MOF nanotube on Chinese Xuan Paper derived 3D carbon paper: An efficient positive electrode for Ni-Zn battery

Abstract

High efficiency, good safety, eco-friendliness and low cost batteries are significant for electronic vehicles. In this aspect, nickel-zinc (Ni-Zn) battery attracts great interest for its high output voltage and energy density. Here, with one-step hydrothermal reaction, NiMOF nanotube is grown on Chinese Xuan Paper derived carbon paper, which is employed as positive electrode material in Ni-Zn battery directly. The unique morphology of NiMOF nanotube not only provides sufficient space for fully contact between active centers and electrolyte, but also facilitates the diffusion of electrons. This electrode exhibits capacitive property. At 1 ​A ​g−1, the capacity achieves 258 mAh·g−1. Its rate capacity is also outstanding. As current increases to 20 ​A ​g−1, the capacity still keeps at 198 mAh·g−1. When it serves as positive electrode and Zn plate acts as negative electrode, a rechargeable Ni-Zn battery is assembled. The voltage of this battery achieves 1.76 ​V. It can also deliver energy density 375.5 ​Wh·kg−1 with power density 15.9 ​kW ​kg−1. Additionally, this battery also possesses superior stability with 92.8% capacity retained after 9000 cycle charge-discharge tests. These merits make NiMOF become an ideal positive electrode for Zn-Ni battery, which is an attractive power supplier in the future.