Open AccessHierarchical Carbon Micro/Nanonetwork with Superior Electrocatalysis for High‐Rate and Endurable Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries
Author(s) -
Ling Wei,
Deng Qi,
Ma Qiang,
Wang HongRui,
Zhou ChunJiao,
Xu JianKai,
Yin YaXia,
Wu XiongWei,
Zeng XianXiang,
Guo YuGuo
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
advanced science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.388
H-Index - 100
ISSN - 2198-3844
DOI - 10.1002/advs.201801281
Subject(s) - electrocatalyst , vanadium , electrochemistry , redox , materials science , chemical engineering , carbon fibers , energy storage , electrode , inorganic chemistry , nanotechnology , chemistry , composite number , composite material , power (physics) , physics , quantum mechanics , engineering
Vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) are receiving increasing interest in energy storage fields because of their safety and versatility. However, the electrocatalytic activity of the electrode is a pivotal factor that still restricts the power and cycling capabilities of VRFBs. Here, a hierarchical carbon micro/nanonetwork (HCN) electrode codoped with nitrogen and phosphorus is prepared for application in VRFBs by cross‐linking polymerization of aniline and physic acid, and subsequent pyrolysis on graphite felt. Due to the hierarchical electron pathways and abundant heteroatom active sites, the HCN exhibits superior electrocatalysis toward the vanadium redox couples and imparts the VRFBs with an outstanding energy efficiency and extraordinary stability after 2000 cycles at 250 mA cm −2 and a discharge capacity of 10.5 mA h mL −1 at an extra‐large current density of 400 mA cm −2 . Such a micro/nanostructure design will force the advancement of durable and high‐power VRFBs and other electrochemical energy storage devices.