Tailoring the Surface of Natural Graphite with Functional Metal Oxides via Facile Crystallization for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

Graphite is the most popular anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) owing to its high reversibility and stable cycling performance. With the rapid growth of the global electric vehicle (EV) market, it has become necessary to improve the quick-charge performance of graphite to reduce the charging time of LIBs. Therefore, from a structural viewpoint, it is crucial to control interfacial reactions and stabilize the surface of graphite to improve the sluggish interfacial kinetics. Herein, we propose a facile approach for integrating functional metal oxides on the surface of natural graphite (NG) via a surface-coating technique in combination with a facile-crystallization process. The functionality of the metal oxides, i.e., MoO2 and Fe3O4, on the surface of NG was thoroughly investigated based on various structural and electrochemical analyses. The results demonstrate that the metal oxides play critical roles in stabilizing the surface of NG and facilitating faster Li+ migration at the interface between NG and the electrolyte during cycling. In particular, the full cell configured with the c-Fe3O4-NG anode shows remarkably improved charging behavior (3 C charging–1 C discharging) without any significant loss of reversible capacity during 300 cycles. This study has conclusively established that tailoring the surface of NG with functional metal oxides would be a utilitarian way to improve the charging capability of NG. We are confident that the study results would provide utilitarian insights into the development of advanced LIBs for successful implementation in EV applications in the future.

Development of SiO2/rGO from Rice Husk for Photocatalysis, Antioxidant, Electrochemical and Green Sensor Detection Studies

“…The elevated D value of SiO2/rGO indicates that its electrochemical reaction activity is more efficient when compared to rGO and SiO2. The specific capacitance and final electrode surface area of rGO, SiO2, and SiO2/rGO were determined relation (15) based on the CV method [104].…”

Surface Decoration of TiC Nanocrystals onto the Graphite Anode Enables Fast-Charging Lithium-Ion Batteries

“…With the growing demand for EVs, the importance of LIBs as key components in EVs has been emphasized. Since the driving range and charging time of EVs are primarily influenced by LIBs, it is imperative to urgently pursue technological innovations that can reduce charging time without compromising the energy density of LIBs. − To meet these rigorous industrial standards, extensive efforts have been directed toward the enhancement of anode materials to reduce the charging time of LIBs. − The fast-charging characteristics of commercial LIBs are mainly associated with the interfacial reactions between graphite and the electrolyte. − In principle, sluggish interfacial kinetics for the desolvation and migration of Li + at the graphite surface induce severe Li plating under the fast-charging process. − Therefore, it is essential to reduce the activation energy of interfacial reactions to facilitate Li + transport and suppress Li plating. − …”

3D Pathways Enabling Highly‐Efficient Lithium Reservoir for Fast‐Charging Batteries

“…Enhancing the fast-charging capability of graphite is primarily hindered by the high activation energy associated with the interfacial charge transfer reaction. [22][23][24] To overcome the current limitations of graphite, numerous researchers have focused on modifying its surface to minimize overpotential and undesirable Li plating, which can cause significant capacity loss and safety issues during fast-charging. [25][26][27] Various functional materials have been explored to tailor the surface of graphite, effectively reducing the overpotential and facilitating Li + transport.…”

“…[28][29][30][31] The surface decoration with metal or metal oxide has been particularly effective in lowering overpotential as well as minimizing side-reactions during cycling. [22] The dimensional instability resulting from the large volume variations of these materials, however, remains an open problem.…”