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Co–B Nanoflakes as Multifunctional Bridges in ZnCo 2 O 4 Micro‐/Nanospheres for Superior Lithium Storage with Boosted Kinetics and Stability
Author(s) -
Deng Jiaojiao,
Yu Xiaoliang,
Qin Xianying,
Zhou Dong,
Zhang Lihan,
Duan Huan,
Kang Feiyu,
Li Baohua,
Wang Guoxiu
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
advanced energy materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.08
H-Index - 220
eISSN - 1614-6840
pISSN - 1614-6832
DOI - 10.1002/aenm.201803612
Subject(s) - materials science , anode , lithium (medication) , electrochemistry , chemical engineering , gravimetric analysis , mesoporous material , diffusion , electrochemical kinetics , electrode , energy storage , nanoparticle , nanotechnology , thermodynamics , chemistry , catalysis , medicine , biochemistry , physics , power (physics) , organic chemistry , engineering , endocrinology
Transition metal oxides hold great promise as high‐energy anodes in next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries. However, owing to the inherent limitations of low electronic/ionic conductivities and dramatic volume change during charge/discharge, it is still challenging to fabricate practically viable compacted and thick TMO anodes with satisfactory electrochemical performance. Herein, with mesoporous cobalt–boride nanoflakes serving as multifunctional bridges in ZnCo 2 O 4 micro‐/nanospheres, a compacted ZnCo 2 O 4 /Co–B hybrid structure is constructed. Co–B nanoflakes not only bridge ZnCo 2 O 4 nanoparticles and function as anchors for ZnCo 2 O 4 micro‐/nanospheres to suppress the severe volume fluctuation, they also work as effective electron conduction bridges to promote fast electron transportation. More importantly, they serve as Li + transfer bridges to provide significantly boosted Li + diffusivity, evidenced from both experimental kinetics analysis and density functional theory calculations. The mesopores within Co–B nanoflakes help overcome the large Li + diffusion barriers across 2D interfaces. As a result, the ZnCo 2 O 4 /Co–B electrode delivers high gravimetric/volumetric/areal capacities of 995 mAh g −1 /1450 mAh cm −3 /5.10 mAh cm −2 , respectively, with robust rate capability and long‐term cyclability. The distinct interfacial design strategy provides a new direction for designing compacted conversion‐type anodes with superior lithium storage kinetics and stability for practical applications.