Multi-scale boron penetration toward stabilizing nickel-rich cathode

Nickel-rich layered oxides LiNi_(x)Co_(y)Mn_(1-x-y)O_(2)(x≥0.8)have been recognized as the preferred cathode materials to develop lithium-ion batteries with high energy density(>300 Wh kg^(−1)).However,the poor cycling stability and rate capability stemming from intergranular cracks and sluggish kinetics hinder their commercialization.To address such issues,a multi-scale boron penetration strategy is designed and applied on the polycrystalline LiNi_(0.83)Co_(0.11)Mn_(0.06)O_(2)particles that are pre-treated with pore construction.The lithium-ion conductive lithium borate in grain gaps functions as the grain binder that can bear the strain/stress from anisotropic contraction/expansion,and provides more pathways for lithium-ion diffusion.As a result,the intergranular cracks are ameliorated and the lithium-ion diffusion kinetics is improved.Moreover,the coating layer separates the sensitive cathode surface and electrolyte,helping to suppress the parasitic reactions and related gas evolution.In addition,the enhanced structural stability is acquired by strong B-O bonds with trace boron doping.As a result,the boron-modified sample with an optimized boron content of 0.5%(B5-NCM)exhibits a higher initial discharge capacity of 205.5 mAh g^(−1)at 0.1C(1C=200 mA g^(−1))and improved capacity retention of 81.7%after 100 cycles at 1C.Furthermore,the rate performance is distinctly enhanced by high lithium-ion conductive LBO(175.6 mAh g^(−1)for B5-NCM and 154.6 mAh g^(−1)for B0-NCM at 5C)

Graphitic nanorings for super-long lifespan lithium-ion capacitors

Porous graphitic carbon nanorings(PGCNs)are proposed by smart catalytic graphitization of nano-sized graphene quantum dots(GQDs).The as-prepared PGCNs show unique ring-like morphology with diameter around 10 nm,and demonstrate extraordinary mesoporous structure,controllable graphitization degree and highly defective nature.The mechanism from GQDs to PGCNs is proven to be a dissolution-precipitation process,undergoing the procedure of amorphous carbon,intermediate phase,graphitic carbon nanorings and graphitic carbon nanosheets.Further,the relationship between particles size of GQDs precursor and graphitization degree of PGCNs products is revealed.The unique microstructure implies PGCNs a broad prospect for energy storage application.When applied as negative electrode materials in dual-carbon lithium-ion capacitors,high energy density(77.6 Wh·kg^(−1))and super long lifespan(89.5%retention after 40,000 cycles at 5.0 A·g^(−1))are obtained.The energy density still maintains at 24.5 Wh·kg^(−1)even at the power density of 14.1 kW·kg^(−1),demonstrating excellent rate capability.The distinct microstructure of PGCNs together with the strategy for catalytic conversion from nanocarbon precursors to carbon nanorings opens a new window for carbon materials in electrochemical energy storage.