High-performance Anode Materials Research Articles

In situ synthesis of vertical graphene on porous Si microparticle composite for high-performance anode material

Silicon is capable of delivering a high theoretical specific capacity (4200 mAh g-1) in lithium-ion batteries. However, silicon has poor electrical conductivity, huge volume expansion (∼300%), and unstable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film, especially for micron-sized silicon particles. We proposed and prepared a novel vertical carbon (VG) coating on a porous silicon (p-Si) microparticle structure, which effectively alleviated the volume expansion and inhibited the interface reaction. The synthesized porous silicon p-Si@VG composite exhibited significant enhanced cycling stability and an excellent reversible capacity of 1563 mAh g-1 (capacity retention of 48.6%) after 200 cycles. The vertical carbon nanosheet structure constructed a three-dimensional conductive network. Therefore, the p-Si@VG composite showed better rate capability and higher lithium-ion diffusion rates. This work is expected to promote the application of micron Si-based composites in lithium-ion batteries.

Si@porous carbon fiber fabricated via wet spinning as a high-performance anode material for lithium-ion battery

Si/C composites are considered as attractive anode candidates for high-energy-density lithium-ion batteries and have been extensively researched. The carbon fiber (CF) fabricated by wet spinning is a well-established technology. However, there are scarce reports on Si/CF anodes fabricated by wet spinning. In this study, Si@porous carbon fiber (Si@PCF) composite were synthesized via wet spinning and subsequent thermal treatment. The porous carbon (PC) can effectively buffer the huge volume changes of Si nanoparticles during the charge-discharge process, promote the diffusion and transport of lithium ions, and compensate for the poor electronic conductivity of Si. The Si@PCF composite maintained a high capacity of 1178 mA h g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 after 100 cycles, suggesting potential for commercial application of the Si/PCF anode due to the excellent electrochemical performance and preparation technology suitable for large-scale production.

In situ anchoring in carbon matrix of Bi2O2CO3 as a high-performance anode material for Li-ion batteries

In situ anchoring in carbon matrix of Bi2O2CO3 as a high-performance anode material for Li-ion batteries

A soft carbon materials with engineered composition and microstructure for sodium battery anodes

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have advantages in high sodium resources, providing powerful supplement to the current energy storage system. However, the lack of low-cost and high-performance anode materials still limits its practical application. Herein, a soft carbon anode derived from petroleum coke was successfully synthesized by engineering its composition and microstructure through resin and sodium phosphate compositing with optimal heat treatment process, delivering significant merits over existing composite anode in term of price density, initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) and carbon yield. Resin helps to increase micropores and inhibit graphitization. Na3PO4 contributes to expand layer spacing and increase reversible groups, meanwhile facilitates the cross-linking of graphite microcrystalline and provides additional sodium supplement with improved ICE and conductivity. Through the synergistic effect by the additives, the optimized sample (P-ONH-1200) exhibits a superior reversible charge specific capacity of 311.9 mAh g−1 with high cycling stability, ICE (90.7 %) in SIBs, and high carbon yield (70 %). It also gains rate performance of 209.7 mAh g−1 at 4 C with 98 % retention after 1000 cycles. The full cell with Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) cathode at 1.05 N/P ratio exhibits an excellent stability with a capacity retention of 70 % after 500 cycles at 1 C. It provides a model reference for the microstructure regulation of petroleum coke and a revenue for preparation high-performance soft carbon anode for SIBs.

Atomically Engineered Encapsulation of SnS2 Nanoribbons by Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes for High-Efficiency Lithium Storage.

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are integral to contemporary energy storage, yet current anode material systems struggle to meet the increasing demand for extended range capabilities. This work introduces a novel composite anode material composed of one-dimensional 2H-phase tin disulfide (SnS2) nanoribbons enclosed within cavities of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SnS2@SWCNTs), achieved through precise atomic engineering. Employing aberration-corrected transmission electron microscopy, we precisely elucidated the crystal structure of SnS2 within the confines of the SWCNTs. This deliberate design effectively addresses the inherent limitations of SnS2 as a lithium-ion anode material, including its low electrical conductivity, considerable volume expansion effects, and unstable solid electrolyte interface membrane. Testing confirmed that SnS2 transforms into the Li5Sn2 alloy phase after full lithiation and back to SnS2 after delithiation, showing excellent reversibility. The composite also benefits from edge effects, improving lithium storage through stronger binding and lower migration barriers, which were supported by calculations. This pioneering work advances high-performance anode materials for applications.

Silicene/BN heterostructure as high-performance anode material for Mg-ion batteries

Finding a suitable anode material is a key part of the development of Mg-ion batteries (MIBs) to commercialize. In this work, an outstanding Silicene/BN heterostructure was discovered as a candidate anode material for MIBs by using first-principles calculations. The mixed sp2/sp3 orbital hybridization of silicon atoms makes Silicene monolayer easy to adsorb Mg atoms. The introduction of BN monolayer can effectively buffer the structural deformation and improve the electrochemical performances. Compared to pristine Silicene, the Silicene/BN heterostructure exhibited higher structural stability and Mg adsorption capacity. The diffusion of Mg ions in the heterostructure interlayer was easier with a low barrier of 0.160 eV than that on the Silicene monolayer. A comparable low open circuit voltage (0.112 V) was also observed. These results indicated the potential of Silicene/BN heterostructure as a high-performance anode material for MIBs.

Preparation of high-performance anode materials for sodium-ion batteries using bamboo waste: Achieving resource recycling

Bamboo exhibits various excellent properties and is widely used in construction. However, appropriate disposal of the bamboo waste generated in a green manner is difficult. To realize resource recycling, we used a simple treatment method to prepare waste bamboo as a negative electrode material exhibiting considerable electrochemical properties for sodium-ion batteries. The electrochemical properties of high-temperature calcination materials considerably improved after impurity removal treatment using an acid solution, which was performed to eliminate the influence of impurities on electrochemical properties. However, the materials still could not meet commercial requirements. A simple pre-oxidation modification treatment enabled the introduction of O atoms into the carbon skeleton to expand the layer spacing, improved the transport kinetics of Na+ in the carbon skeleton, and further increased the platform capacity of the pre-oxidation material. The preoxidative high-temperature co-treated materials exhibited a specific charge capacity close to 280 mAh g−1 at a 0.1 C rate and a capacity attenuation of almost zero after 100 cycles, and showing a specific charge capacity of more than 150 mAh g−1 at a 2 C rate test. In the context of sustainable development, this study makes waste bamboo become a candidate of low-cost negative electrode material for sodium-ion batteries.

Pristine and defective 2D SiCN substrates as anode materials for sodium-ion batteries

Exploring more high-performance anode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) can smoothly help to build a more sustainable, cleaner, and reliable energy system. This study systematically investigates the potential of 2D pristine SiCN (p-SiCN) and defective (d-SiCN) substrate as candidate materials for SIBs anodes using first-principles computational method. The computational results reveal that the p-SiCN possesses excellent thermal stability and structural cyclical performance, good conductivity, high theoretical specific capacity (1486 mAh·g−1), low diffusion barrier (0.177 eV), and appropriate open-circuit voltage (0.340 V), which allows the p-SiCN substrate more suitable as a potential anode material for SIBs. Furthermore, by investigating the effects of intentionally designed defects on p-SiCN, it is observed that the adsorption energy and diffusion barrier of the Na atom on the d-SiCN substrate increase. Our work demonstrates that investigating the effect of defects on p-SiCN can better explore the properties of anode materials, thus further optimizing the battery performances.

Two-Dimensional TOD-Graphene in a Honeycomb–Kagome Lattice: A High-Performance Anode Material for Potassium-Ion Batteries

Two-Dimensional TOD-Graphene in a Honeycomb–Kagome Lattice: A High-Performance Anode Material for Potassium-Ion Batteries

WITHDRAWN: Novel design of Sn4P3@NxC electrodes and their electrochemical properties

Tin phosphide (SnxPy) is recognized as one of the most promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries due to its exceptionally high theoretical capacity. However, its application is hampered by significant volume expansion during charge-discharge cycles and inferior electrical conductivity. Proper structural design placs a pivotal role in addressing these challenges, paving the way for high-performance anode materials. This study introduces a nitrogen-doped carbon-coated Sn4P3 nanosphere with a core-shell structure, employing dopamine as the nitrogen source. This innovative approach, utilizing template removal and solid-phase phosphorization, results in both the core and shell acting as active materials, thereby enhancing the volumetric energy density of the electrode. The internal voids within the shell layer mitigate volume expansion during charge-discharge cycles, while the presence of the nitrogen-doped carbon layer maintains the material's stability throughout cycling and improves its electrical conductivity. Electrochemical performance tests confirm the outstanding energy storage capability of this material, with an initial Coulombic efficiency reaching up to 73.6 %. Furthermore, it maintains a stable capacity of 585 mAh g^-1 after 1200 cycles at a current density of 2 A g^-1. This research offers a design paradigm for the development of novel energy storage materials.

High-Performance Anode Material Based on Zinc Naphthalocyanine/Graphene Composite.

Transition metal oxides are a potential anode material owing to their high theoretical capacity. Nonetheless, their large volume changes and low electrical conductivities lead to poor cycling performance and rate capabilities. In this article, an effective strategy is proposed and developed for preparing a ZnO/N-doped graphene composite (ZnNc/GO-5). The key point of this strategy is to use zinc tetra tert-butyl-naphthalocyanine (ZnNc) as a codoped source of N atoms and zinc ions, and graphene oxide (GO) which is combined with ZnNc by π-π deposition as a carbon matrix. After calcination, ZnO microcrystals coated with N-doped graphene are obtained. The unique features of the composite and synergistic effect between N-doped reduced graphene oxide and ZnO microcrystals enable good electrochemical performance by the composites when used in lithium-ion batteries. As an anode material, the as-synthesized ZnNc/GO-5 composite delivers a high first capacity of 1942.9 mAh g-1 and excellent cyclic stability of 861.4 mAh g-1 after 150 cycles at 100 mA g-1. This strategy may offer a new method of designing the anode materials of lithium-ion batteries and promote the practical use of organic molecules in next-generation lithium-ion batteries.

β12-Borophene/Graphene Heterostructure as a High-Performance Anode Material for Li-Ion Batteries.

In the world of two-dimensional (2D) materials, various Borophene allotropes have gained significant attention for their remarkable specific capacity. However, the instability of monolayers has challenged experimental investigations of innovative approaches. Due to this limitation, in this work, graphene was investigated as a sublayer with the aim of providing stability to the β12-borophene monolayer. This study delves into the potential of a novel β12-borophene/graphene (β12-B/G) van der Waals (vdW) heterostructure using Quantum Espresso software based on vdW-corrected density functional theory. Our investigation includes exploring thermal and dynamical stability, adsorption energy, open circuit voltage, specific capacity, and diffusion barrier energy properties. Impressively, the calculated specific capacity reached 907 mAh/g, outperforming other 2D materials and heterostructures. The combination of a graphene layer not only ensures dynamical stability but also provides the adsorption energy of lithiumon the β12-borophene layer, simultaneously decreasing the diffusion barrier energy in comparison with the β12-borophene monolayer. The calculated open circuit voltage falls in the range 0.08-1.09 V, rendering it suitable for an overall average commercial voltage. For the borophene layer, the computed diffusion barrier energies are approximately 0.52 and 0.78 eV. Collectively, these findings underscore the potential of theβ12-B/G heterostructure as an advanced anode material for lithium-ion batteries.

Novel paddy-like Bi-Sb-Cu alloy fabricated via pulse reverse potential electrodeposition enabling high-performance sodium-ion batteries

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) have gained remarkable interest as cost-effective and scalable energy storage devices. Nevertheless, their further application has been significantly hindered due to the limited selection of desirable anode materials that can provide both high capacity and excellent cycling stability. Herein, we developed a hierarchical paddy-like Bi42.3Sb35.2Cu22.5 alloy anode on Cu foil via template-free pulse reverse potential electrodeposition. The Bi42.3Sb35.2Cu22.5 anode obtains a considerable specific capacity of 529.5 mAh·g−1 after 120 cycles with a remarkable capacity retention of 95.5 %, signifying a capacity loss of only 0.0375 % per cycle. However, Bi44.9Sb55.1 anodes obtained by the pulse potential electrodeposition strategy reveal a conventional irregular cluster structure, delivering only 64.5 mAh·g−1 after 100 cycles and also demonstrating inferior rate performance compared to Bi42.3Sb35.2Cu22.5 anodes. The enhanced cycling performance of the paddy-like Bi42.3Sb35.2Cu22.5 anode is primarily attributed to the introduced Cu-doped network facilitating the rapid diffusion of Na+ and also ensuring the stability of the electrode structure. Moreover, the unique paddy-like structure of Bi42.3Sb35.2Cu22.5 mitigates volume expansion-related stress and facilitates efficient charge transport through open channels. This is further corroborated by conducting CV measurements, indicating a greater capacitive contribution in the case of the Bi42.3Sb35.2Cu22.5 electrode compared to the Bi44.9Sb55.1 electrode. Additionally, SEM images show a stabilized surface morphology for the Bi42.3Sb35.2Cu22.5 electrode after cycling, demonstrating improved electrochemical performance. This work offers new insights into the development of high-performance anode materials for SIBs.

A fast-charging/discharging and long-term stable artificial electrode enabled by space charge storage mechanism

Lithium‐ion batteries with fast-charging/discharging properties are urgently needed for the mass adoption of electric vehicles. Here, we show that fast charging/discharging, long-term stable and high energy charge-storage properties can be realized in an artificial electrode made from a mixed electronic/ionic conductor material (Fe/LixM, where M = O, F, S, N) enabled by a space charge principle. Particularly, the Fe/Li2O electrode is able to be charged/discharged to 126 mAh g−1 in 6 s at a high current density of up to 50 A g−1, and it also shows stable cycling performance for 30,000 cycles at a current density of 10 A g−1, with a mass-loading of ~2.5 mg cm−2 of the electrode materials. This study demonstrates the critical role of the space charge storage mechanism in advancing electrochemical energy storage and provides an unconventional perspective for designing high-performance anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.

Progress Of Low-Temperature Carbonization of Cellulose as Anode Material for Sodium-Ion Batteries

With the increasingly serious environmental issues brought by the use of conventional fossil energy sources, and under the idea of "carbon peak and carbon neutral" put forward by China, it has been a global consensus to drive the transition of the energy consumption framework from conventional fossil energy sources to low-carbon, clean reproducible energy sources, and associated energy preservation technologies. So far, secondary battery systems as stable and efficient clean energy storage have been the focus of attention, and the most important energy storage devices are lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), which are also potential battery systems under recent research. Nevertheless, the scarcity and grossly uneven allocation of lithium resources as well as the security problems of lithium batteries have limited the further growth of LIBs. Due to these problems, the scientific community has been back to sodium-ion battery studies. By comparing with lithium-ion batteries, sodium resources for sodium-ion batteries are cheaper, richer, and safer, so the social demand for sodium-ion batteries continues to increase, but the larger the ionic radius of sodium ions, the poorer the reversible capacity, the shorter the life span and other problems still exist, and the development of high-performance anode materials is an effective method to solve the core problems of sodium-ion batteries, cellulose-based hard carbon materials have a green preparation process, favorable ion Cellulose-based hard carbon material is a potential anode material for sodium-ion batteries with the green preparation process, beneficial ion transport channel and special porous framework.

Fast ionic conductor MnSe supported Micron-Si embedded in three-dimensional N-doped carbon matrix for lithium-ion batteries

Silicon is regarded as the most potential anode for the next generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) since its superhigh specific capacity and abundant reserves. Nonetheless, the grievous volume variation and inferior connate conductivity imped its further step on the commercial application. Herein, three-dimensional (3D) porous N-doped carbon microspheres, in which silicon is embedded and supported by MnSe, are fabricated via a simple spray drying method, named as MnSe/Si@NC. Such synergy conduces to the weaker polarization phenomenon and lower reactive barrier. Multi kind of electrochemical tests announce that the 3D network supported by MnSe and synthetical chemical bridge bonds, can remarkably ameliorate electron conductivity and structural stability. Benefit from the reasonably designed materials, the MnSe/Si@NC-10 anode expresses an outstanding cycling stability of 1030.8 mAh·g−1 at 2 A g−1 over 1000 cycles and extremely low-capacity loss rate for each cycle with about 0.27 ‰. In a word, this work can provide reference for the designing and preparation of high-performance anode materials utilized in LIBs.

Simple hydrothermal synthesis of HCNFs@CoNiO2 composite material for high-performance anode of lithium-ion batteries

In this study, a novel helical carbon nanofibers@CoNiO2 (HCNFs@CoNiO2) composite was first successfully synthesized by the simple hydrothermal method and utilized as anode materials of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). CoNiO2 nanoparticles with a particle size of about 6 nm were distributed on the surface of HCNFs matrix. The HCNFs@CoNiO2 anode shows the excellent reversible specific capacity of 808.5 mAh/g after 100 cycles at 200 mA/g, which is about four and twenty times larger than that of HCNFs (193.5 mAh/g) and CoNiO2 (35.4 mAh/g), respectively. The electrochemical performance of HCNFs@CoNiO2 was improved due to the synergistic contribution of HCNFs and CoNiO2. In particular, HCNFs with the unique three-dimensional helical structure improve the conductivity and also provide a strong supporting network space during the volume expansion of CoNiO2 nanoparticles. The present study provides a useful reference for the development of the novel high-performance anode material for LIBs.

Facile synthesis of BiNbO4@C composite as novel high-performance anode materials for long cycle life lithium-ion batteries

Bismuth-based materials are considered highly promising for lithium-ion batteries due to their appropriate lithiation potential and high theoretical capacity. In this study, a carbon-coated BiNbO4 composite was synthesized using the molten salt method combined with mechanical ball milling and explored as a novel anode material for lithium-ion batteries. After 300 cycles of testing, the composite electrode synthesized has a reversible capacity of 401 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1, which exceeds that of a commercial graphite anode. Moreover, the long-cycle stability experiments show that the reversible capacity of the BiNbO4@C composite is 220 mA h g−1 and 180 mA h g−1, with corresponding test parameters of 500 mA g−1 for 1200 cycles and 1000 mA g−1 for 1000 cycles, respectively. The findings of this research serve as a valuable guide for enhancing the utilization of this material in lithium-ion battery applications.

Unveiling the effects of different component ratios on the structure and electrochemical properties of MoS2/TiO2 composites

In this study, a composite material comprising of MoS2 and TiO2 was designed, and the TiO2 content in the composite was systematically varied to enhance the rate capability and cycling performance of MoS2. The optimized composite structure (MT-3 with a mass ratio of MoS2 to TiO2 of 8:1) ensures stable connections between the flower-like MoS2 and TiO2 nanosheets through robust covalent Ti–O–S bonds, effectively enhancing the electrochemical reaction kinetics and thus improving lithium storage performance. Additionally, the incorporation of an appropriate amount of TiO2 alleviates the stacking of MoS2, increasing the number of electrochemically active sites. The specific capacities of MT-3 at current densities of 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 A g−1 are 1172.9, 1039.3, 921.6, 864.9, and 696.5 mA h g−1, respectively. Furthermore, even after 100 cycles at 2 A g−1, it still maintains a high specific capacity of 694 mA h g−1, indicating excellent lithium storage performance. This synergistic strategy between MoS2 and TiO2 holds promise for the rational design of high-performance anode materials for LIBs.

Double-enhanced core-shell Sb@Sb2O3 heterostructure encapsulated in porous carbon for long life sodium storage

Antimony (Sb) based materials have been regarded as highly competitive anodes sodium ion batteries (SIBs) due to their high theoretical capacity. However, it suffers from poor electrochemical performance because of the large volume expansion and the sluggish kinetics of the Na+ ions. To address the above problem, we prepare the core-shell Sb@Sb2O3 heterostructure encapsulated in a porous carbon (Sb@Sb2O3@C) as high performance anode material for SIBs. A facile NaCl template-assisted freeze-drying strategy could easily to acquire the porous carbon structure and the slow oxidation treatment process could realize the component from Sb to Sb@Sb2O3, finally Sb2O3. The perfect combination of core-shell Sb@Sb2O3 heterostructure with robust porous carbon can further accelerate the electron diffusion, promote the Na+ transfer, and enhance the structural stability of the electrode. Benefit from the advantages of structure and composition, the Sb@Sb2O3@C exhibits a long life and high rate capability for SIBs, with an initial discharge/recharge capacity of 530.2/446.7 mAh g−1 and an initial Coulombic efficiency of 84.3%. In addition, it displays a high rate capacity with 450 mA h g−1 at 1 A g−1 and excellent long-term cycling stability with 440.6 mAh g−1 after 5000 cycles even at a high current density of 5 A g−1.