Fibrous-Root-Inspired Design and Lithium Storage Applications of a Co–Zn Binary Synergistic Nanoarray System

Abstract

Developing lithium ion batteries (LIBs) with fast charging/discharging capability and high capacity is a significant issue for future technical requirements. Transition-metal oxide (TMO) materials are widely studied as the next-generation LIB anode to satisfy this requirement due to their specific capacity, nearly three times than that of conventional graphite anode, and low cost. Meanwhile, they also suffer from slow lithium diffusion and limited electrochemical and structural stability, especially at high charging/discharging rate. The structure design of TMO is an effective strategy to obtain desirable LIB performance. Herein, inspired by natural fibrous roots consisting of functional and supporting units that can enhance substances and energy exchange efficiently, fibrous-root-like Zn(x)Co(3-x)O4@Zn(1-y)Co(y)O binary TMO nanoarrays are designed and synthesized on Cu substrates through a facile one-pot, successive-deposition process for use as an integrated LIB anode. In a multilevel array ordered by orientation, ultrafine Zn(x)Co(3-x)O4 nanowire functional units and stable Zn(1-y)Co(y)O nanorod supporting units synergize, resulting in superior rate performance. At a high current density of 500 mAg(-1), they could maintain a discharge capacity as high as 804 mAh g(-1) after 100 cycles, working much higher than unary cobalt-based and zinc-based nanoarrays. This binary synergistic nanoarray system identifies an optimized electrode design strategy for advanced battery materials.

Advanced Matrixes for Binder‐Free Nanostructured Electrodes in Lithium‐Ion Batteries

“…Figure a shows the pretreated Cu mesh substrate etched by precisely controlled HCl. [ 70 ] The pretreated Cu mesh had a nanoscale island‐like morphology and a rough porous surface, benefitting the high loading level of active materials and tight contact with active materials. Zn x Co 3− x O 4 @Zn 1− y Co y O binary nanoarrays were synthesized directly on the pretreated Cu mesh through a facile successive‐deposition process and utilized as an integrated LIB anode.…”

“…a,b) Reproduced with permission. [ 70 ] Copyright 2016, American Chemical Society. c) SEM images of Ni foam substrate under different magnifications.…”

“…The relationship between loading mass of active materials and prices of corresponding supporting matrixes for binder‐free electrodes in LIBs. [ 48–109,141–240 ] ...…”

Structural Reorganization–Based Nanomaterials as Anodes for Lithium‐Ion Batteries: Design, Preparation, and Performance

“…Beside Si, Sn, Ge, and Sb, other elements such as Co, Ag, Au, Zn, P, Mg, Al, etc. can alloy with Li.…”

Design and synthesis of hierarchical NiO/Ni3V2O8 nanoplatelet arrays with enhanced lithium storage properties

“…24 Recently, various hybridizing metal oxides with an integrate nanostructure have attracted much attention in exploring alternative anode materials for LIBs as they can take advantage of interaction of different components for enhanced electrochemical performances. [34][35][36][37][38][39] For instance, Lou et al 40 All the reagents, HCl (3 M), ethanol, acetone and deionized water, used in the study were of analytical grade to eliminate impurities on the surface of Ti foil. In a typical synthesis, 1 mmol Na 3 VO 4 and 1 mmol NiCl 2 $6H 2 O were dissolved into 80 mL deionized water with vigorous magnetic stirring.…”