NiM (Sb, Sn)/N-doped hollow carbon tube as high-rate and high-capacity anode for lithium-ion batteries

N/S Co-Doped Graphene Aerogels as Superior Anode Materials for High-Rate Lithium-Ion Batteries

The nitrogen and sulfur co-doped graphene aerogel (SNGA) was synthesized by a one-pot hydrothermal route using graphene oxide as the starting material and thiourea as the S and N source. The obtained SNGA with a three-dimensionally hierarchical structure, providing more available pathways for the transport of lithium ions. The existing form of S and N was regulated by changing the calcination temperature and thiourea doping amount. The results revealed that high temperature could decompose -SOX- functional groups and promote the transformation of C-S-C to C-S, ensuring the cyclic stability of electrode materials, and increasing the thiourea dosage amount introduced more pyridine nitrogen, improving the multiplicative performance of electrode materials. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of sulfur and nitrogen atoms, the prepared SNGA showed superior rate capability (107.8 mAh g-1 at 5 A g-1), twice more than that of GA (52.8 mAh g-1), and excellent stability (232.1 mAh g-1 at 1 A g-1 after 300 cycles), 1.85 times more than that of GA (125.6 mAh g-1). The present study provides a detailed report on thiourea as a dopant to provide a sufficient basis for SNGA and a theoretical guide for further modifying.

MXene-based anode materials for high performance sodium-ion batteries

As an emerging class of layered transition metal carbides/nitrides/carbon-nitrides, MXenes have been one of the most investigated anode subcategories for sodium ion batteries (SIBs), due to their unique layered structure, metal-like conductivity, large specific surface area and tunable surface groups. In particular, different MAX precursors and synthetic routes will lead to MXenes with different structural and electrochemical properties, which actually gives MXenes unlimited scope for development. In this feature article, we systematically present the recent advances in the methods and synthetic routes of MXenes, together with their impact on the properties of MXenes and also the advantages and disadvantages. Subsequently, the sodium storage mechanisms of MXenes are summarized, as well as the recent research progress and strategies to improve the sodium storage performance. Finally, the main challenges currently facing MXenes and the opportunities in improving the performance of SIBs are pointed out.

Facilely Fabricating F-Doped Fe3N Nanoellipsoids Grown on 3D N-Doped Porous Carbon Framework as a Preeminent Negative Material

Transition metal nitride negative electrode materials with a high capacity and electronic conduction are still troubled by the large volume change in the discharging procedure and the low lithium ion diffusion rate. Synthesizing the composite material of F-doped Fe3N and an N-doped porous carbon framework will overcome the foregoing troubles and effectuate a preeminent electrochemical performance. In this study, we created a simple route to obtain the composite of F-doped Fe3N nanoellipsoids and a 3D N-doped porous carbon framework under non-ammonia atmosphere conditions. Integrating the F-doped Fe3N nanoellipsoids with an N-doped porous carbon framework can immensely repress the problem of volume expansion but also substantially elevate the lithium ion diffusion rate. When utilized as a negative electrode for lithium-ion batteries, this composite bespeaks a stellar operational life and rate capability, releasing a tempting capacity of 574 mAh g-1 after 550 cycles at 1.0 A g-1. The results of this study will profoundly promote the evolution and application of transition metal nitrides in batteries.

Preparation of carbon-coated Fe2 O3 @Ti3 C2 Tx composites by mussel-like modifications as high-performance anodes for lithium-ion batteries

Fe2 O3 with high theoretical capacity (1007 mA h g-1 ) and low cost is a potential anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), but its practical application is restricted by its low electrical conductivity and large volume changes during lithiation/delithiation. To solve these problems, Fe2 O3 @Ti3 C2 Tx composites were synthesized by a mussel-like modification method, which relies on the self-polymerization of dopamine under mild conditions. During polymerization, the electronegative group (-OH) on dopamine can easily coordinate with Fe3+ ions as well as form hydrogen bonds with the -OH terminal group on the surface of Ti3 C2 Tx , which induces a uniform distribution of Fe2 O3 on the Ti3 C2 Tx surface and mitigates self-accumulation of MXene nanosheets. In addition, the polydopamine-derived carbon layer protects Ti3 C2 Tx from oxidation during the hydrothermal process, which can further improve the electrical conductivity of the composites and buffer the volume expansion and particle agglomeration of Fe2 O3 . As a result, Fe2 O3 @Ti3 C2 Tx anodes exhibit ~100 % capacity retention with almost no capacity loss at 0.5 A g-1 after 250 cycles, and a stable capacity of 430 mA h g-1 at 2 A g-1 after 500 cycles. The unique structural design of this work provides new ideas for the development of MXene-based composites in energy storage applications.

Waste biomass garlic stem-derived porous carbon materials as high-capacity and long-cycling anode for lithium/sodium-ion batteries

Carbon materials are promising anode materials for rechargeable lithium and sodium-ion batteries, due to their low cost, high capacity, and structural designability. In this work, we selected a waste biomass, garlic stem, as the carbon precursor, and we systematically investigated the effect of pyrolysis temperature and time on their battery performance. We find that 800 °C and 2 h are the best pyrolysis conditions, which leads to the optimal carbon material (800C-2H) with a large layer spacing, abundant defect sites, high surface area, and sufficient micro/meso-porous structures. Due to these favorable properties, this carbon anode exhibits an impressive performance for Lithium-ion batteries, with a very high capacity of 480 mAh g-1 and no significant capacity fading after 3000 cycles. Besides, this anode also shows promising performance for Sodium-ion batteries, where a good capacity of 151.9 mAh g-1 and reasonable cycling of 100 cycles are achievable. We also carried out in-situ X-ray diffraction and in-situ Raman spectroscopy experiments to understand the relationship between carbon microstructures and their Li-ion storage.