Sb-Cu alloy cathode with a novel lithiation mechanism of ternary intermetallic formation: Enabling high energy density and superior rate capability of liquid metal battery

Antimony(Sb) is an attractive cathode for liquid metal batteries(LMBs) because of its high theoretical voltage and low cost.The main obstacles associated with the Sb-based cathodes are unsatisfactory energy density and poor rate-capability.Herein,we propose a novel Sb_(64)Cu_(36)cathode that effectively tackles these issues.The Sb_(64)Cu_(36)(melting point:525℃) cathode presents a novel lithiation mechanism involving sequentially the generation of Li_(2)CuSb,the formation of Li_(3)Sb,and the conversion reaction of Li_(2)CuSb to Li_(3)Sb and Cu.The generated intermetallic compounds show a unique microstructure of the upper floated Li_(2)CuSb layer and the below cross-linked structure with interpenetrated Li_(2)CuSb and Li_(3)Sb phases.Compared with Li_(3)Sb,the lower Li migration energy barrier(0.188 eV) of Li_(2)CuSb significantly facilitates the lithium diffusion across the intermediate compounds and accelerates the reaction kinetics.Consequently,the Li‖Sb_(64)Cu_(36)cell delivers a more excellent electrochemical performance(energy density:353 W h kg^(-1)at 0.4 A cm^(-2);rate capability:0.59 V at 2.0 A cm^(-2)),and a much lower energy storage cost of only 38.45 $ kW h^(-1)than other previously reported Sb-based LMBs.This work provides a novel cathode design concept for the development of high-performance LMBs in applications for large-scale energy storage.

Synthesis of spinel LiMn_(2)O_(4) microspheres with durable high rate capability

Spinel LiMn2O4 microspheres with durable high rate capability were synthesized by a facile route using spherical MnCO3 precursors as the self-supported templates, combined with the calcinations of LiNO3 at 700 °C for 8 h. The spherical MnCO3 precursors were obtained from the control of the crystallizing process of Mn2＋ ions and NH4HCO3 in aqueous solution. The effects of the mole ratio of the raw materials, reaction time, and reaction temperature on the morphology and yield of the MnCO3 were investigated. The as-synthesized MnCO3 and LiMn2O4 microspheres were characterized by powder X-ray diffractometry （XRD） and scanning electron microscopy （SEM）. Galvanostatic charge/discharge tests indicate that the spinel LiMn2O4 microspheres deliver a discharge capacity of 90 mA-h/g at 10C rate show good capacity retention capability （75% of their initial capacity after 800 cycles at 10C rate）. The durable high rate capability suggests that the as-synthesized LiMn2O4 microspheres are promising cathode materials for high power lithium ion batteries.

Uniform AlF_3 thin layer to improve rate capability of LiNi_(1/3)Co_(1/3) Mn_(1/3)O_2 material for Li-ion batteries

LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 was coated with uniform nano-sized AlF3 layer by chemical precipitation method to improve its rate capability.The samples were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD),transmission electron microscopy (TEM),energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS),charge-discharge cycling,cyclic voltammetry (CV),and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).Uniform coated layer with a thickness of about 3 nm was observed on the surface of LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2 particle by TEM.At 0.5C and 2C rates,1.5% (mass fraction) AlF3-coated LiNi1/3Co1/3Mn1/3O2/Li in 2.8-4.3 V versus Li/Li+ after 80 cycles showed less than 3% of capacity fading,while those of the bare one were 16.5% and 45.9%,respectively.At 5C rate,the capacity retention of the coated sample after 50 cycles maintained 91.4% of the initial discharge capacity,while that of the bare one decreased to 52.6%.EIS result showed that a little change of charge transfer resistance of the coated sample resulting from uniform thin AlF3 layer was proposed as the main reason why its rate capability was improved obviously.CV result further indicated a greater reversibility for the electrode processes and better electrochemical performance of AlF3-coated layer.

Mesh-like vertical structures enable both high areal capacity and excellent rate capability

In order to balance electrochemical kinetics with loading level for achieving efficient energy storage with high areal capacity and good rate capability simultaneously for wearable electronics,herein,2 D meshlike vertical structures(NiCo_2 S_4@Ni(OH)_2) with a high mass loading of 2.17 mg cm^(-2) and combined merits of both 1 D nanowires and 2 D nanosheets are designed for fabricating flexible hybrid supercapacitors.Particularly,the seamlessly interconnected NiCo_2 S_4 core not only provides high capacity of 287.5 μAh cm^(-2) but also functions as conductive skeleton for fast electron transport;Ni(OH)_2 sheath occupying the voids in NiCo_2 S_4 meshes contributes extra capacity of 248.4 μAh cm^(-2);the holey features guarantee rapid ion diffusion along and across NiCO_2 S_4@Ni(OH)_2 meshes.The resultant flexible electrode exhibits a high areal capacity of 535.9 μAh cm^(-2)(246.9 mAh g^(-1)) at 3 mA cm^(-2) and outstanding rate performance with 84.7% retention at 30 mA cm^(-2),suggesting efficient utilization of both NiCo_2 S_4 and Ni(OH)_2 with specific capacities approaching to their theoretical values.The flexible solid-state hybrid device based on NiCo_2 S_4@Ni(OH)_2 cathode and Fe_2 O_3 anode delivers a high energy density of 315 μWh cm^(-2) at the power density of 2.14 mW cm^(-2) with excellent electrochemical cycling stability.

Fabricating multi-porous carbon anode with remarkable initial coulombic efficiency and enhanced rate capability for sodium-ion batteries

Due to the abundant sodium reserves and high safety,sodium ion batteries(SIBs)are foreseen a promising future.While,hard carbon materials are very suitable for the anode of SIBs owing to their structure and cost advantages.However,the unsatisfactory initial coulombic efficiency(ICE)is one of the crucial blemishes of hard carbon materials and the slow sodium storage kinetics also hinders their wide application.Herein,with spherical nano SiO_(2)as pore-forming agent,gelatin and polytetrafluoroethylene as carbon sources,a multi-porous carbon(MPC)material can be easily obtained via a co-pyrolysis method,by which carbonization and template removal can be achieved synchronously without the assistance of strong acids or strong bases.As a result,the MPC anode exhibited remarkable ICE of 83%and a high rate capability(208 m Ah/g at 5 A/g)when used in sodium-ion half cells.Additionally,coupling with Na3V2(PO4)3as the cathode to assemble full cells,the as-fabricated MPC//NVP full cell delivered a good rate capability(146 m Ah/g at 5 A/g)as well,implying a good application prospect the MPC anode has.

Rational design of 3D porous niobium carbide MXene/rGO hybrid aerogels as promising anode for potassium-ion batteries with ultrahigh rate capability

An effective method is designed to construct three-dimensional(3D)Nb_(2)C/reduced graphene oxide(rGO)hybrid aerogels through a low-temperature graphene oxide(GO)-assisted hydrothermal self-assembly followed by freeze-drying and annealing.The intimately coupled Nb_(2)C/rGO hybrid aerogel combines the advantages of large specific surface area and rich 3D interconnected porous structure of aerogel as well as high conductivity and low potassium diffusion energy barrier of Nb_(2)C,which not only effectively prevents the self-restacking of Nb2C nanosheets to allow more active sites exposed and accommodate the volume change during the charge/discharge process,but also increases the accessibility of electrolyte and promotes the rapid transfer of ions/electrons.As a result,Nb_(2)C/rGO-2 as the anode of potassium ion batteries(KIBs)delivers a large reversible specific capacity(301.7 mAh·g^(−1)after 500 cycles at 2.0 A·g^(−1)),an ultrahigh rate capability(155.5 mAh·g^(−1)at 20 A·g^(−1)),and an excellent long-term large-current cycle stability(198.8 mAh·g^(−1)after 1,000 cycles at 10 A·g^(−1),with a retention of 83.3%).Such a high-level electrochemical performance,especially the ultrahigh rate capability,is the best among transition metal carbides and nitride(MXene)-based materials reported so far for KIBs.The diffusion kinetics of K+is investigated thoroughly,and the synergetic charge–discharge mechanism and the structure–performance relationship of Nb_(2)C/rGO are revealed explicitly.The present work provides a good strategy to solve the self-restacking problem of two-dimensional materials and also enlarges the potential applications of MXenes.

Pr doped single-crystal LiNi_(0.5)Mn_(0.3)Co_(0.2)O_(2)cathode enables high rate capability and cycle stability for lithium ion batteries

The massive application of single crystal(SC)ternary cathode material LiNi_(1-x-y)Mn_(x)Co_(y)O_(2)is largely restricted by the unsatisfactory rate capability which is caused by the sluggish Li+diffusion and structural instability.Herein,Pr^(3+),a large radius ion is introduced to single-crystal LiNi_(0.5)Mn_(0.3)Co_(0.2)O_(2)to enhance Li^(+)conductivity and structural stability.With 0.4%Pr doping,the Li(Ni_(0.5)Mn_(0.3)Co_(0.2))_(0.996)Pr_(0.004)O_(2)cathode displays a capacity retention of 79.72%at 10 C,and a 98.17%capacity retention after 50 cycles at 25°C and 96.3%capacity retention after 50 cycles at 55°C within a 3.0–4.5 V voltage window.Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirms that the Pr doping can effectively lower the charge-transfer resistance and facilitate the transportation of Li^(+)on the surface of LiNi_(0.5)Mn_(0.3)Co_(0.2)O_(2).The Direct current internal resistance result implies that the structure of the Pr-doped cathode particles is more stable during cycling.In addition,differential scanning calorimetry measurements measurement combined with in situ X-ray diffraction confirms the thermo-stabilization effect of the Pr dopant.

High-rate metal-free MXene microsupercapacitors on paper substrates

MXene is a promising energy storage material for miniaturized microbatteries and microsupercapacitors(MSCs).Despite its superior electrochemical performance,only a few studies have reported MXene-based ultrahigh-rate(>1000 mV s^(−1))on-paper MSCs,mainly due to the reduced electrical conductance of MXene films deposited on paper.Herein,ultrahigh-rate metal-free on-paper MSCs based on heterogeneous MXene/poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate)(PEDOT:PSS)-stack electrodes are fabricated through the combination of direct ink writing and femtosecond laser scribing.With a footprint area of only 20 mm^(2),the on-paper MSCs exhibit excellent high-rate capacitive behavior with an areal capacitance of 5.7 mF cm^(−2)and long cycle life(>95%capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles)at a high scan rate of 1000 mV s^(−1),outperforming most of the present on-paper MSCs.Furthermore,the heterogeneous MXene/PEDOT:PSS electrodes can interconnect individual MSCs into metal-free on-paper MSC arrays,which can also be simultaneously charged/discharged at 1000 mV s^(−1),showing scalable capacitive performance.The heterogeneous MXene/PEDOT:PSS stacks are a promising electrode structure for on-paper MSCs to serve as ultrafast miniaturized energy storage components for emerging paper electronics.

A Facile Method to Improve the High Rate Capability of Co_(3)O_(4)Nanowire Array Electrodes

The capability of fast charge and fast discharge is highly desirable for the electrode materials used in supercapacitors and lithium ion batteries.In this article,we report a simple strategy to considerably improve the high rate capability of Co_(3)O_(4)nanowire array electrodes by uniformly loading Ag nanoparticles onto the surfaces of the Co_(3)O_(4)nanowires via the silver-mirror reaction.The highly electrically conductive silver nanoparticles function as a network for the facile transport of electrons between the current collectors(Ti substrates)and the Co_(3)O_(4)active materials.High capacity as well as remarkable rate capability has been achieved through this simple approach.Such novel Co_(3)O_(4)-Ag composite nanowire array electrodes have great potential for practical applications in pseudo-type supercapacitors as well as in lithium ion batteries.

Conductive Ni3(HITP)2 MOFs thin films for flexible transparent supercapacitors with high rate capability

The flexible transparent supercapacitors have been considered as one of the key energy-storage components to power the smart portable electronic devices.However,it is still a challenge to explore flexible transparent capacitive electrodes with high rate capability.Herein,conductive Ni3(HITP)2(HITP=2,3,6,7,10,11-hexaiminotriphenylene)thin films are adopted as capacitive electrodes in flexible transparent supercapacitors.The Ni3(HITP)2 electrode possesses the excellent optoelectronic property with optical transmittance(T)of 78.4%and sheet resistance(Rs)of 51.3Ωsq-1,remarkable areal capacitance(CA)of 1.63 mF cm^-2and highest scan rate up to 5000 mV s-1.The asymmetric Ni3(HITP)2//PEDOT:PSS supercapacitor(T=61%)yields a high CA of 1.06 mF cm^-2at 3μA cm-2,which maintains 77.4%as the current density increases by 50 folds.The remarkable rate capability is ascribed to the collaborative advantages of low diffusion resistance and high ion accessibility,resulting from the intrinsic conductivity,short oriented pores and large specific areas of Ni3(HITP)2 films.

Ultrahigh rate capability of 1D/2D polyaniline/titanium carbide(MXene)nanohybrid for advanced asymmetric supercapacitors

High energy density and enhanced rate capability are highly sought-after for supercapacitors in today's mobile world.In this work,polyaniline/titanium carbide(MXene)(PANI/Ti3C2Tx)nanohybrid is synthesized through a facile and cost-effective self-assembly of.one-dimensional(10)PANI nanofibers and two-dimensional(20)Ti3C2Tx nanosheets.PANl!Ti3C2Tx delivers greatly improved specific capacitance,ultrahigh rate capability(67%capacitance retention from 1 to 100 A·g^(-1))as well as good cycle stability.Electrochemical kinetic analysis reveals that PANI/Ti3C2Tx is featured with surface capacitance-dominated process and has a quasi-reversible kinetics at high scan rates,giving rise to an ultrahigh rate capability.By using PANl!Ti3C2Tx as positive electrode,an 1.8 V aqueous asymmetric supercapacitor(ASC)is successfully assembled,showing a maximum energy density of 50.8 Wh·kg^(-1)·(at 0.9 kW-kg-1)and a power density of 18 kW·kg^(-1)(at 26 Wh·kg^(-1)).Moreover,an 3.0 V organic ASC is also elaborately fabricated,·by using PANI/Ti3C2Tx,achieving an ultrahigh energy density of 67.2 Wh·kg^(-1)(at 1.5 kW·kg^(-1))and a power density of 30 kW·kg^(-1)·(at 26.8 Wh·kg^(-1)).The present work not only improves fundamental understanding of the structure-property relationship towards ultrahigh rate capability electrode materials,but also provides valuable guideline for the rational design of high-performance:energy storage devices with both high energy and power densities.

NiCoSe2/Ni3Se2 lamella arrays grown on N-doped graphene nanotubes with ultrahigh-rate capability and long-term cycling for asymmetric supercapacitor

In this paper, we report a one-step electrodeposited synthesis strategy for directly growing NiCoSe2/Ni3Se2 lamella arrays(LAs) on N-doped graphene nanotubes(N-GNTs) as advanced free-standing positive electrode for asymmetric supercapacitors. Benefiting from the synergetic contribution between the distinctive electroactive materials and the skeletons, the as-constructed N-GNTs@NiCoSe2/Ni3-Se2LAs present a specific capacitance of ~1308 F g^-1 at a current density of 1 A g^-1. More importantly, the hybrid electrode also reveals excellent rate capability(~1000 F g^-1 even at 100 A g^-1) and appealing cycling performance(~103.2% of capacitance retention over 10,000 cycles). Furthermore, an asymmetric supercapacitor is fabricated by using the obtained N-GNTs@NiCoSe2/Ni3Se2LAs and active carbon(AC) as the positive and negative electrodes respectively,which holds a high energy density of 42.8 W h kg^-1 at 2.6 k W kg^-1, and superior cycling stability of ~94.4% retention over 10,000 cycles. Accordingly, our fabrication technique and new insight herein can both widen design strategy of multicomponent composite electrode materials and promote the practical applications of the latest emerging transition metal selenides in next-generation high-performance supercapacitors.

Supercritical-hydrothermal accelerated solid state reaction route for synthesis of LiMn_2O_4 cathode material for high-power Li-ion batteries

Synthesis of the spinel structure lithium manganese oxide （LiMn2O4） by supercritical hydrothermal （SH） accelerated solid state reaction （SSR） route was studied. The impacts of the reaction pressure, reaction temperature and reaction time of SH route, and the calcination temperature of SSR route on the purity, particle morphology and electrochemical properties of the prepared LiMn2O4 materials were studied. The experimental results show that after 15 min reaction in SH route at 400 ℃ and 30 MPa, the reaction time of SSR could be significantly decreased, e.g. down to 3 h with the formation temperature of 800 ℃, compared with the conventional solid state reaction method. The prepared LiMn2O4 material exhibits good crystallinity, uniform size distribution and good electrochemical performance, and has an initial specific capacity of 120 mA.h/g at a rate of 0.1C （1C=148 mA/g） and a good rate capability at high rates, even up to 50C.

Bimetallic selenide heterostructure with directional built-in electricfield confined in N-doped carbon nanofibers for superior sodium storage with ultralong lifespan

Constructing heterostructure is considered as an effective strategy to address the sluggish electronic and ionic kinetics of anode materials for sodium ion batteries(SIBs).However,realizing the orientated growth and uniform distribution of the heterostructure is still a great challenge.Herein,the regulated novel CoSe_(2)/NiSe_(2)heterostructure confined in N-doped carbon nanofibers(CoSe_(2)/NiSe_(2)@N-C)are prepared by using Co/Ni-ZIF template,in which,the CoSe_(2)/NiSe_(2)heterostructures realize uniform distribution on a micro level.Benefiting from the unique heterostructure and N-doped carbon nanofibers,the CoSe_(2)/NiSe_(2)@N-C deliveries superior rate capability and durable cycle lifespan with a reversible capacity of 400.5 mA h g^(-1)after 5000 cycles at 2 A g^(-1).The Na-ion full battery with CoSe_(2)/NiSe_(2)@N-C anode and layered oxide cathode displays a remarkable energy density of 563 W h kg^(-1)with 241.1 W kg^(-1)at 0.1 A g^(-1).The theoretical calculations disclose that the periodic and directional built-in electric-field along with the heterointerfaces of CoSe_(2)/NiSe_(2)@N-C can accelerate electrochemical reaction kinetics.The in(ex)situ experimental measurements reveal the reversible conversion reaction and stable structure of CoSe_(2)/NiSe_(2)@N-C during Na+insertion/extraction.The study highlights the potential ability of precisely controlled heterostructure to stimulate the electrochemical performances of advanced anode for SIBs.

Electrolyte/Structure‑Dependent Cocktail Mediation Enabling High‑Rate/Low‑Plateau Metal Sulfide Anodes for Sodium Storage

As promising anodes for sodium-ion batteries,metal sulfides ubiquitously suffer from low-rate and high-plateau issues,greatly hindering their application in full-cells.Herein,exemplifying carbon nanotubes(CNTs)-stringed metal sulfides superstructure(CSC)assembled by nano-dispersed SnS_(2) and CoS_(2) phases,cocktail mediation effect similar to that of high-entropy materials is initially studied in ether-based electrolyte to solve the challenges.The high nano-dispersity of metal sulfides in CSC anode underlies the cocktail-like mediation effect,enabling the circumvention of intrinsic drawbacks of different metal sulfides.By utilizing ether-based electrolyte,the reversibility of metal sulfides is greatly improved,sustaining a long-life effectivity of cocktail-like mediation.As such,CSC effectively overcomes low-rate flaw of SnS_(2) and highplateau demerit of CoS_(2),simultaneously realizes a high rate and a low plateau.In half-cells,CSC delivers an ultrahigh-rate capability of 327.6 mAh g^(−1) anode at 20 A g^(−1),far outperforming those of monometallic sulfides(SnS_(2),CoS_(2))and their mixtures.Compared with CoS_(2) phase and SnS_(2)/CoS_(2) mixture,CSC shows remarkably lowered average charge voltage up to ca.0.62 V.As-assembled CSC//Na1.5VPO4.8F0.7 full-cell shows a good rate capability(0.05~1.0 A g^(−1),120.3 mAh g^(−1) electrode at 0.05 A g^(−1))and a high average discharge voltage up to 2.57 V,comparable to full-cells with alloy-type anodes.Kinetics analysis verifies that the cocktail-like mediation effect largely boosts the charge transfer and ionic diffusion in CSC,compared with single phase and mixed phases.Further mechanism study reveals that alternative and complementary electrochemical processes between nano-dispersed SnS_(2) and CoS_(2) phases are responsible for the lowered charge voltage of CSC.This electrolyte/structure-dependent cocktail-like mediation effect effectively enhances the practicability of metal sulfide anodes,which will boost the development of high-rate/-voltage sodium-ion full batteries.

Engineered NiCo-LDH nanosheets- and ZnFe_(2)O_(4) nanocubes-decorated carbon nanofiber bonded mats for high-rate asymmetric supercapacitors

In this work,we have prepared the hierarchically nanostructured core–shell NiCo layered double hydroxide(NiCo-LDH)nanosheets-and ZnFe_(2)O_(4) nanocubes-decorated polyacrylonitrile(PAN)/pitch-based carbon nanofibers(PPCNs)webs(NiCo-LDH@PPCNs as cathode and ZnFe_(2)O_(4)@PPCNs as anode materials)with the bonded network structure by a facile and scalable hydrothemal method.Herein,the low-cost pitch with lower softening point(~90℃)as co-precursor was utilized to produce the PAN/pitch-based carbon nanofibers(PPCNs)with enhanced electrical conductivity.The obtained PPCNs with pitch content of 30%(PP30CNs)electrode material delivered higher specific capacitance(~67 F g^(-1))than that(~48 F g^(-1))of the PAN-based carbon nanofibers(PCNs)at 1 A g^(-1),due to the increased electrical conductivity and lower interfacial charge transfer resistance(RCT)of~0.16 U.Further,the NiCo-LDH-decorated PP30CNs(NiCoLDH@PP30CNs)as cathode material showed superior specific capacitance of 1162 F g^(-1) at 1.0 A g^(-1) and ultra-high retention rate of 91.56%at 10 A g^(-1).The ZnFe_(2)O_(4)@PP30CNs as anode material also showed higher specific capacitance of 282 F g^(-1) at 1 A g^(-1) and good rate capability with capacitance retention of 56.73%at 10 A g^(-1).The as-fabricated asymmetric NiCo-LDH@PP30CNs//ZnFe_(2)O_(4)@PP30CNs hybrid supercapacitor device delivered a specific capacitance of~98 F g^(-1) at 1 A g^(-1) and excellent capacitance retention of~88%after 5000 charge–discharge cycles.

Large-scale production of holey graphite as high-rate anode for lithium ion batteries

Lithium ion batteries(LIBs)have been widely used in portable and smart devices because of their high energy densities,long cycle life and environmental friendliness.In order to meet the evergrowing demand for human-beings utilizing electronic devices,electric vehicles and energy storage grids.

Controllable Preparation and Superior Rate Performance of Spinel LiMn2O4 Hollow Microspheresas Cathode Material for Lithium-ion Batteries

Spinel LiMn2O4 microspheres and hollow microspheres with adjustable wall thickness have been prepared using controllable oxidation of MnCO3 microspheres precursors and following solid reactions with lithium salts. Scanning electron microscopy （SEM） investigations demonstrate that the microsphere morphology and hollow structure of precursors are inherited. The effect of hollow structure properties of as-prepared LiMn2O4 on their performance as cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries has been studied. Electrochemical performance tests show that LiMn2O4 hollow microspheres with small wall thickness exhibit both superior rate capability and better cycle performance than LiMn2O4 solid microspheres and LiMn2O4 hollow microspheres with thick wall. The LiMn2O4 hollow microspheres with thin wall have discharge capacity of 132.7 mA.h-g^-1 at C/10 （14.8 mA.g^-1） in the first cycle, 94.1% capacity retention at C/10 after 40 cycles and discharge capacity of 116.5 mAh-gq at a high rate of 5C. The apparent lithium-ion diffusion coefficient （Dapp） of as-prepared LiMn2O4 determined by capacity intermittent titration technique （CITT） varies from 10-11 to 10-8.5 cm2.s^-1 showing a regular ＂W＂ shape curve plotted with test voltages. The D app of LiMn2O4 hollow microspheres with thin wall has the largest value among all the prepared samples. Both the superior rate capability and cycle stability of LiMn2O4 hollow microspheres with thin wall can be ascribed to the facile ion diffusion in the hollow structures and the robust of hollow structures during repeated cycling.

Metal organic framework-combustion: A one-pot strategy to NiO nanoparticles with excellent anode properties for lithium ion batteries

NiO nanoparticles with average particles size of 30 nm are synthesized using a one-pot metal–organic framework-combustion（MOF-C） technique, for use as an anode material in rechargeable lithium ion batteries（LIBs）. The structural and electronic properties of these nanoparticles are studied using various techniques, including powder X-ray diffraction（PXRD）, transmission electron microscopy（TEM）, scanning electron microscopy（SEM）, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy（XPS）, and N_2 adsorption/desorption studies. The as-synthesized NiO nanoparticles sustained reversible stable capacities of 748 and 410 mAh/g at applied current densities of 500 and 1000 m A/g, respectively, after 100 cycles. Furthermore, the anode displays a notable rate capability, achieving a stable capacity of ~200 mAh/g at a high current density of10 A/g. These results indicate that the size of the NiO nanoparticles and their high surface area influence their electrochemical properties. Specifically, this combustion strategy is clearly favorable for improving the cyclability and rate capability of various metal oxides in rechargeable battery electrodes.

Enhanced stability and rate performance of zinc-doped cobalt hexacyanoferrate (CoZnHCF) by the limited crystal growth and reduced distortion

Cobalt hexacyanoferrate (CoHCF) is a potential cathode for aqueous Na-ion batteries due to its high theoretical specific capacity (170 m Ah g^(-1));however,its lower rate capability and cyclability limit its applications.Structural distortion at a weak N-coordinated crystal field during cycling disintegrates Co,yielding an irreversible reaction.Different Zn amounts ranging 0–1 were added to the Co site to suppress the structural irreversibility of CoHCF,yielding Co_(1-x)Zn_(x)HCF powder;this Zn (x≤0.09) addition reduced the powder’s dimension because the lower four coordination of Zn–N,not the six coordination of Co–N,limits the powder growth.Simultaneously,a small lattice parameter and interaxial angle (~90°) are obtained,implying that a narrower Co_(1-x)Zn_(x)HCF inner structure is formed to accommodate Na ions.Moreover,the electronic conductivity of Co_(1-x)Zn_(x)HCF gradually increased within 0–0.09 range.A smaller particle size with a high surface area leads to a near-surface-limited redox process,similar to a capacitive reaction.Both the surface-limited reaction and electronic conductivity enhances the reversibility due to the smaller charge transfer resistance at the electrode/electrolyte interface caused by Zn addition.Replacing redox-active Co with non-active Zn amount of 0.07 (Co_(1-x)Zn_(x)HCF) slightly reduces the specific capacity from 127 to 119 mAh g^(-1)at 0.1 A g^(-1)due to the shrunken Co charging sites.Rate performance is enhanced by compromising the capacity and reduced distortion,resulting in 81%retention at a 20-times-faster charging rate.Notably,the Co_(1-x)Zn_(x)HCF sample exhibited the good stability while preserving 74%of the initial capacity at 0.5 A g^(-1)after 200 cycles.