Mesoporous carbon-coated LiFePO4 nanocrystals co-modified with graphene and Mg2+ doping as superior cathode materials for lithium ion batteries

Synergistic N/Mn Codoping Deagglomerate Carbon Coating of LiFePO4/C To Boost Electrochemical Performance

LiFePO4 is widely used because of its high safety and cycle stability, but its inefficient electronic conductivity combined with sluggish Li+ diffusivity restricts its performance. To overcome this obstacle, applying a layer of conductive carbon onto the surface of LiFePO4 has the greatest improvement in electronic conductivity and Li+ diffusivity. However, the rate performance of carbon-coated LiFePO4 makes it difficult to meet the application requirements. Although nitrogen doping improves electrochemical performance by providing active sites and electronic conductivity, the N-doped carbon coating is prone to agglomeration, which causes a sharp decrease in capacity when the current rate increases. In this work, a synergistic N, Mn codoping strategy is implemented to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks by disrupting the large agglomeration of C-N bonds, improving the uniformity of the surface coating layer to enhance the completeness of the conductive network and increasing the number of Li+ diffusion channels, and thus accelerating the mass transfer rate under high-rate current. Consequently, this strategy effectively improves the rate capability (119 mA h g-1 at 10 C) while maintaining excellent cycling performance (88% capacity retention over 600 cycles at 5 C). This work improves the rate of ion diffusion and the rate capability of micrometer-sized LiFePO4, thus, enabling its wider application.

Construction of a Preoxidation and Cation Doping Regeneration Strategy to Improve Rate Performance Recycling Spent LiFePO4 Materials

Efficient recycling of spent lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is significant for solving environmental problems and promoting resource conservation. Economical recycling of LiFePO4 (LFP) batteries is extremely challenging due to the inexpensive production of LFP. Herein, we report a preoxidation combine with cation doping regeneration strategy to regenerate spent LiFePO4 (SLFP) with severely deteriorated. The binder, conductive agent, and residual carbon in SLFP are effectively removed through preoxidation treatment, which lays the foundation for the uniform and stable regeneration of LFP. Mg2+ doping is adopted to promote the diffusion efficiency of lithium ions, reduces the charge-transfer impedance, and further improves the electrochemical performance of the regenerated LFP. The discharge capacity of SLFP with severe deterioration recovers successfully from 43.2 to 136.9 mA h g-1 at 0.5 C. Compared with traditional methods, this technology is simple, economical, and environment-friendly. It provided an efficient way for recycling SLFP materials.

Metal-organic framework derived bimetallic selenide embedded in nitrogen-doped carbon hierarchical nanosphere for highly reversible sodium-ion storage

Bimetallic selenides with various valence transitions and high theoretical capacities are extensively studied as anodes for sodium-ion-batteries (SIBs), but their huge volume changes and poor capacity retention limit their practicality. Herein, a facile and controllable strategy using a binary Ni-Co metal-organic framework (MOF) precursors followed by the selenization process, which produced a cobalt nickel selenide/N-doped carbon composite ((CoNi)Se₂/NC) that maintained the hierarchical nanospheres structure. Such a distinctive structure affords both Na⁺ and electron diffusion pathways in the electrochemical reactions as well as high electrical conductivity, thus leading to superior electrochemical performance when the designed composite is utilized as an anode in SIBs. The resulting nanospheres-like (CoNi)Se₂/NC hierarchical structure exhibits a high specific capacity of 526.8 mA h g^-1 at 0.2 A/g over 100 cycles, a stable cycle life with no obvious capacities loss at 1.0 and 3.0 A/g after 500 cycles, and exceptional rate capability of 322.9 mA h g^-1 at 10.0 A/g.

Silica and nitrogen-doped carbon co-coated lithium manganese iron phosphate microspheres as cathode materials for lithium batteries

Lithium manganese iron phosphate (LiMn1-xFexPO4, LMFP) combines the advantages of LiFePO4 and LiMnPO4. However, low electronic conductivity and sluggish lithium ion diffusion of the LMFP cathode limits its commercial application. In this work, the LMFP microspheres were co-coated by silica and N-doped carbon for the improvement of electronic and ionic conductivity of LMFP. The hydrolysis of tetraethyl orthosilicate and the polymerization of dopamine can be mutually promoted in one reaction system to realize the simultaneous precipitation of Si and C species on the LMFP surfaces without the addition of acid–base catalysts or buffering agents. After high-temperature treatment in argon, the silica and N-doped carbon co-coated LMFP microspheres were obtained with improved cycling stability (84.4% of capacity retention for 300 cycles at 1 C) and enhanced rate performance (80.0 mAh g−1 at 5 C). Therefore, this work shows a facile and common method for the composite coating of cathode materials.

Tuning the Defects of Two-Dimensional Layered Carbon/TiO2 Superlattice Composite for a Fast Lithium-Ion Storage

Defect engineering is one of the effective ways to improve the electrochemical property of electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIB). Herein, an organic functional molecule of p-phenylenediamine is embedded into two-dimensional (2D) layered TiO₂ as the electrode for LIB. Then, the 2D carbon/TiO₂ composites with the tuning defects are prepared by precise control of the polymerization and carbothermal atmospheres. Low valence titanium in metal oxide and nitrogen-doped carbon nanosheets can be obtained in the carbon/TiO₂ composite under a carbonization treatment atmosphere of N₂/H₂ gas, which can not only increase the electronic conductivity of the material but also provide sufficient electrochemical active sites, thus producing an excellent rate capability and long-term cycle stability. The prepared composite can provide a high capacity of 396.0 mAh g⁻¹ at a current density of 0.1 A g⁻¹ with a high capacitive capacity ratio. Moreover, a high specific capacity of 80.0 mAh g⁻¹ with retention rate of 85% remains after 10,000 cycles at 3.0 A g⁻¹ as well as the Coulomb efficiency close to 100%. The good rate-capability and cycle-sustainability of the layered materials are ascribed to the increase of conductivity, the lithium-ion transport channel, and interfacial capacitance due to the multi-defect sites in the layered composite.

Simple synthesis of a hierarchical LiMn0.8Fe0.2PO4/C cathode by investigation of iron sources for lithium-ion batteries

Iron (Fe) substitution is an effective strategy for improving the electrochemical performance of LiMnPO₄ which has poor conductivity. Herein, we focus on investigating the effect of substitution of Mn with different iron sources, on the structure and electrochemical performances of the LiMnPO₄ materials. The Fe-substituted LiMnPO₄/C composites were synthesized via a simple and rational solid-state method, and will be of benefit for engineering applications. The characterization of the materials shows an obvious influence of the iron sources on structure and morphology. The N-LMFP material prepared using soluble FeNO₃ as iron sources exhibits an excellent rate capacity of 122 mA h g⁻¹ at 5C, and superior cyclability with a capacity retention of 98.9% after 400 cycles at 2C. The enhanced rate capability and cycling stability of N-LMFP are the result of the lowered electron/ion resistance and the improved reversibility of the reaction, that originates from the homogeneous fine particles and hierarchical structure with large mesopores. This research provides significant guidelines for designing an LiMnPO₄ cathode with a high performance.

A hierarchical porous LiMn_0.8Fe_0.2PO₄/C (N-LMFP) was synthesized by a simple solid-state method beneficial for engineering applications. The fine particle and hierarchical porous structure enable a superior rate performance of the N-LMFP sample.

Structural Lithium-Ion Battery Cathodes and Anodes Based on Branched Aramid Nanofibers

Structural batteries and supercapacitors combine energy storage and structural functionalities in a single unit, leading to lighter and more efficient electric vehicles. However, conventional electrodes for batteries and supercapacitors are optimized for high energy storage and suffer from poor mechanical properties. More specifically, commercial lithium-ion battery anodes and cathodes demonstrate tensile strength values <4 MPa and Young's modulus of <1 GPa. Here, we show that using branched aramid nanofibers (BANFs) or nanoscale Kevlar fibers as a binder leads to mechanically stronger lithium-ion battery electrodes. BANFs are combined with lithium iron phosphate (LFP, cathode) or silicon (Si, anode) particles and reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Hydrogen-bonding interactions between rGO and BANFs are harnessed to accommodate load transfer within the nanocomposite electrodes. Overall, we obtained up to 2 orders of magnitude improvements in Young's modulus and tensile strength compared to commercial battery electrodes while maintaining good energy storage capabilities. This work demonstrates an efficient route for designing structural lithium-ion battery cathodes and anodes with enhanced mechanical properties using BANFs as a binder.

Construction of Carbon-Coated LiMn0.5Fe0.5PO4@Li0.33La0.56TiO3 Nanorod Composites for High-Performance Li-Ion Batteries

The carbon-coated LiMn_0.5Fe_0.5PO₄@Li_0.33La_0.56TiO₃ nanorod composites (denoted as C/LMFP@LLTO) have been successfully obtained according to a common hydrothermal synthesis following a post-calcination treatment. The morphology and particle size of LiMn_0.5Fe_0.5PO₄ (denoted as LMFP) are not changed by the coating. All electrode materials exhibit nanorod morphology; they are 100-200 nm in length and 50-100 nm in width. The Li_0.33La_0.56TiO₃ (denoted as LLTO) coating can facilitate the charge transfer to enhance lithiation/delithiation kinetics, leading to an excellent rate performance and cycle stability of an as-obtained C/LMFP@LLTO electrode material. The reversible discharge capacities of C/LMFP@LLTO (3 wt %) at 0.05 and 5 C are 146 and 131.3 mA h g^-1, respectively. After 100 cycles, C/LMFP@LLTO (3 wt %) exhibits an outstanding capacity of 106.4 mA h g^-1 with an 81% capacity retention rate at 5 C, indicating an excellent reversible capacity and good cycle capacity. Therefore, it can be considered that LLTO coating is a prospective pathway to exploit the electrochemical performances of C/LMFP.

Aliovalent-doped sodium chromium oxide (Na0.9Cr0.9Sn0.1O2 and Na0.8Cr0.9Sb0.1O2) for sodium-ion battery cathodes with high-voltage characteristics

NaCrO2 with high rate-capability is an attractive cathode material for sodium-ion batteries (NIBs). However, the amount of reversibly extractable Na+ ions is restricted by half, which results in relatively low energy density for practical NIB cathodes. Herein, we describe aliovalent-doped O3-Na0.9[Cr0.9Sn0.1]O2 (NCSnO) and O3-Na0.8[Cr0.9Sb0.1]O2 (NCSbO), both of which show high-voltage characteristics that translate to an increase in energy density. In contrast to NaCrO2, NCSnO and NCSbO can be reversibly charged to 3.80 and 3.95 V, respectively, delivering 0.5 Na+ along with Cr3+/4+ redox alone. The reversible chargeability to Na0.4[Cr0.9Sn0.1]O2 and Na0.3[Cr0.9Sb0.1]O2 is not associated with the suppression of Cr6+ formation. Both compounds show concentrations of Cr6+ that are higher than that of Na0.3CrO2, with an absence of O3' phases. This implies that aliovalent-doping contributes to a suppression of the Cr6+ migration into tetrahedral sites in the interslab space, which reduces the possibility of irreversible comproportionation. NCSnO and NCSbO deliver capacities comparable to that of NaCrO2, but show a higher average discharge voltage (2.94 V for NaCrO2; 3.14 V for NCSnO; 3.21 V for NCSbO), which leads to a noticeable increase in energy densities. The high-voltage characteristics of NCSnO and NCSbO are also validated via density-functional-theory calculations.

Nonsiliceous Mesoporous Materials: Design and Applications in Energy Conversion and Storage

In this work, the progress in the design of nonsiliceous mesoporous materials (nonSiMPMs) over the last five years from the perspectives of the chemical composition, morphology, loading, and surface modification is summarized. Carbon, metal, and metal oxide are in focus, which are the most promising compositions. Then, representative applications of nonSiMPMs are demonstrated in energy conversion and storage, including recent technical advances in dye-sensitized solar cells, perovskite solar cells, photocatalysts, electrocatalysts, fuel cells, storage batteries, supercapacitors, and hydrogen storage systems. Finally, the requirements and challenges of the design and application of nonSiMPMs are outlined.

Metal-organic framework derived 3D graphene decorated NaTi2(PO4)3 for fast Na-ion storage

NASCION-type materials featuring super ionic conductivity are of considerable interest for energy storage in sodium ion batteries. However, the issue of inherent poor electronic conductivity of these materials represents a fundamental limitation in their utilization as battery electrodes. Here, for the first time, we develop a facile strategy for the synthesis of NASICON-type NaTi2(PO4)3/reduced graphene oxide (NTP-rGO) Na-ion anode materials from three-dimensional (3D) metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). The selected MOF serves as an in situ etching template for the titanium resource, and importantly, endows the materials with structure-directing properties for the self-assembly of graphene oxide (GO) through a one-step solvothermal process. Through the subsequent carbonization, an rGO decorated NTP architecture is obtained, which offers fast electron transfer and improved Na+ ion accessibility to active sites. Benefiting from its unique structural merits, the NTP-rGO exhibits improved sodium storage properties in terms of high capacity, excellent rate performance and good cycling life. We believe that the findings of this work provide new opportunities to design high performance NASICON-type materials for energy storage.

Graphene-Carbon Nanotubes-Modified LiFePO4 Cathode Materials for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries

A nanocrystalline LiFePO4/graphene-carbon nanotubes (LFP-G-CNT) composite has been successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal method followed by heat-treatment. The microstructure and morphology of the LFP-G-CNTs composite were comparatively investigated with LiFePO4/graphene (LFP-G) and LiFePO4/carbon nanotubes (LFP-CNT) by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The LFP-G-CNTs nanoparticles were wrapped homogeneously and loosely within a 3D conducting network of graphene-carbon nanotubes. The conducting networks provided highly conductive pathways for electron transfer during the intercalation/deintercalation process, facilitated electron migration throughout the secondary particles, accelerated the penetration of the liquid electrolyte into the LFP-G-CNT composite in all directions and enhanced the diffusion of Li ions. The results indicate that the electrochemical activity of LFP-G-CNT composite may be enhanced significantly. The charge-discharge curves, cyclic voltammograms (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results demonstrate that LFP-G-CNT composite performes better than LFP-G and LFP-CNT composites. In particular, LFP-G-CNT composite with a low content of graphene and carbon nanotubes exhibites a high initial discharge capacity of 168.4 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C and 103.7 mAh g−1 at 40 C and an excellent cycling stability.

Magnesium/chloride co-doping of lithium vanadium phosphate cathodes for enhanced stable lifetime in lithium-ion batteries

Combining XRD with ³¹P NMR, it is demonstrated that the Mg and Cl atoms of the new Mg and Cl co-doped Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃/C material occupy V and O sites in its structure, respectively.

Mg doped Li2FeSiO4/C nanocomposites synthesized by the solvothermal method for lithium ion batteries

A series of porous Li₂Fe_1-xMg_xSiO₄/C (x = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.04) nanocomposites (LFS/C, 1Mg-LFS/C, 2Mg-LFS and 4Mg-LFS/C) have been synthesized via a solvo-thermal method using the Pluronic P123 polymer as an in situ carbon source. Rietveld refinement of the X-ray diffraction data of Li₂Fe_1-xMg_xSiO₄/C composites confirms the formation of the monoclinic P2₁ structure of Li₂FeSiO₄. The addition of Mg facilitates the growth of impurity-free Li₂FeSiO₄ with increased crystallinity and particle size. Despite having the same percentage of carbon content (∼15 wt%) in all the samples, the 1Mg-LFS/C nanocomposite delivered the highest initial discharge capacity of 278 mA h g^-1 (∼84% of the theoretical capacity) at the C/30 rate and also exhibited the best rate capability and cycle stability (94% retention after 100 charge-discharge cycles at 1C). This is attributed to its large surface area with a narrow pore size distribution and a lower charge transfer resistance with enhanced Li-ion diffusion coefficient compared to other nanocomposites.

A novel 3D POMOF based on Wells–Dawson arsenomolybdates with excellent photocatalytic and lithium-ion battery performance

A novel 3D POMOF based on Wells–Dawson arsenomolybdates exhibits fluorescence property and efficient and stable photocatalytic activity for MB and RhB under UV irradiation and has also been evaluated as the anode material for LIBs.

Improved rate capability and cycling stability of bicontinuous hierarchical mesoporous LiFePO4/C microbelts for lithium-ion batteries

Bicontinuous hierarchical mesoporous LiFePO₄/C microbelts have been synthesized using a simple dual-solvent electrospinning method for the first time. The sample exhibits a high reversible capacity (153 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.5C), and an excellent high rate cycling performance.

Recent advances in graphene-based hybrid nanostructures for electrochemical energy storage

In recent years, graphene has emerged as a promising candidate for electrochemical energy storage applications due to its large specific surface area, high electrical conductivity, good chemical stability, and strong mechanical flexibility. Moreover, its unique two-dimensional (2D) nanostructure can be used as an ideal building block for controllable functionalization with other active components and the resulting graphene-based hybrids exhibit desirable properties for improved energy storage capability. This review summarizes the most recent progress on graphene and graphene-based hybrid nanostructures for three frontier electrochemical energy storage device applications, i.e., lithium-ion batteries, lithium-sulfur batteries and supercapacitors. Finally, we outline the future perspectives and trends in this research field including several challenges and opportunities.

Graphene Oxide Papers Simultaneously Doped with Mg(2+) and Cl(-) for Exceptional Mechanical, Electrical, and Dielectric Properties

This paper reports simultaneous modification of graphene oxide (GO) papers by functionalization with MgCl2. The Mg(2+) ions enhance both the interlayer cross-links and lateral bridging between the edges of adjacent GO sheets by forming Mg-O bonds. The improved load transfer between the GO sheets gives rise to a maximum of 200 and 400% increases in Young's modulus and tensile strength of GO papers. The intercalation of chlorine between the GO layers alters the properties of GO papers in two ways by forming ionic Cl(-) and covalent C-Cl bonds. The p-doping effect arising from Cl contributes to large enhancements in electrical conductivities of GO papers, with a remarkable 2500-fold surge in the through-thickness direction. The layered structure and the anisotropic electrical conductivities of reduced GO papers naturally create numerous nanocapacitors that lead to charge accumulation based on the Maxwell-Wagner (MW) polarization. The combined effect of much promoted dipolar polarizations due to Mg-O, C-Cl, and Cl(-) species results in an exceptionally high dielectric constant greater than 60 000 and a dielectric loss of 3 at 1 kHz by doping with 2 mM MgCl2. The excellent mechanical and electrical properties along with unique dielectric performance shown by the modified GO and rGO papers open new avenues for niche applications, such as electromagnetic interference shielding materials.

Fabricating three-dimensional mesoporous carbon network-coated LiFePO4/Fe nanospheres using thermal conversion of alginate-biomass

Three-dimensional mesoporous carbon network-coated LiFePO₄/Fe nanospheres with high-rate capability.

Li3V2(PO4)3 as a cathode additive for the over-discharge protection of lithium ion batteries

LVP was added to LCO through a “layer to layer” mode to make a composite cathode and to reduce the potential of LCO during the over-discharge process.

A facile hydrothermal synthesis of a reduced graphene oxide modified cobalt disulfide composite electrode for high-performance supercapacitors

In this study, a 3D reduced graphene oxide modified CoS₂ composite electrode (CoS₂/RGO) is synthesized by a facile hydrothermal approach.

Carbon nanotube decorated NaTi2(PO4)3/C nanocomposite for a high-rate and low-temperature sodium-ion battery anode

NTP/C–CNTs with CNT decorated NTP/C nanoparticles enhance the electrolyte infiltration and provide fast transport pathways for electrons to achieve high-rate capability and low-temperature performance.

Desired crystal oriented LiFePO4 nanoplatelets in situ anchored on a graphene cross-linked conductive network for fast lithium storage

Electron transfer and lithium ion diffusion rates are the key factors limiting the lithium ion storage in anisotropic LiFePO4 electrodes. In this work, we employed a facile solvothermal method to synthesize a "platelet-on-sheet" LiFePO4/graphene composite (LFP@GNs), which is LiFePO4 nanoplatelets in situ grown on graphene sheets with highly oriented (010) facets of LiFePO4 crystals. Such a two-phase contact mode with graphene sheets cross-linked to form a three-dimensional porous network is favourable for both fast lithium ion and electron transports. As a result, the designed LFP@GNs displayed a high rate capability (∼56 mA h g(-1) at 60 C) and long life cycling stability (∼87% capacity retention over 1000 cycles at 10 C). For comparison purposes, samples ex situ modified with graphene (LFP/GNs) as well as pure LiFePO4 platelets (LFP) were also prepared and investigated. More importantly, the obtained LFP@GNs can be used as a basic unit for constructing more complex structures to further improve electrochemical performance, such as coating the exposed LFP surface with a thin layer of carbon to build a C@LFP@GN composite to further enhance its cycling stability (∼98% capacity retention over 1000 cycles at 10 C).

MgO-decorated few-layered graphene as an anode for li-ion batteries

Combustion of magnesium in dry ice and a simple subsequent acid treatment step resulted in a MgO-decorated few-layered graphene (FLG) composite that has a specific surface area of 393 m(2)/g and an average pore volume of 0.9 cm(3)/g. As an anode material in Li-ion batteries, the composite exhibited high reversible capacity and excellent cyclic performance in spite of high first-cycle irreversible capacity loss. A reversible capacity as high as 1052 mAh/g was measured during the first cycle. Even at the end of the 60th cycle, more than 83% of the capacity could be retained. Cyclic voltammetry results indicated pseudocapacitance behavior due to electrochemical absorption and desorption of lithium ions onto graphene. An increase in the capacity has been observed during long-term cycling owing to electrochemical exfoliation of graphene sheets. Owing to its good thermal stability and superior cyclic performance with high reversible capacities, MgO-decked FLG can be an excellent alternative to graphite as an anode material in Li-ion batteries, after suitable modifications.

Surface and interface engineering of electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries are regarded as promising energy storage devices for next-generation electric and hybrid electric vehicles. In order to meet the demands of electric vehicles, considerable efforts have been devoted to the development of advanced electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries with high energy and power densities. Although significant progress has been recently made in the development of novel electrode materials, some critical issues comprising low electronic conductivity, low ionic diffusion efficiency, and large structural variation have to be addressed before the practical application of these materials. Surface and interface engineering is essential to improve the electrochemical performance of electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries. This article reviews the recent progress in surface and interface engineering of electrode materials including the increase in contact interface by decreasing the particle size or introducing porous or hierarchical structures and surface modification or functionalization by metal nanoparticles, metal oxides, carbon materials, polymers, and other ionic and electronic conductive species.

Dual roles of iron powder on the synthesis of LiFePO4@C/graphene cathode a nanocomposite for high-performance lithium ion batteries

Robust, conductive, and cost-effective LiFePO₄@C/graphene composites are critical in the production of high performance LiFePO₄ lithium ion batteries.

A reduced graphene oxide modified metallic cobalt composite with superior electrochemical performance for supercapacitors

The prepared rGO/Co//AC asymmetric supercapacitor displayed good electrochemical performance, and it achieved a maximum energy density of 40.7 W h kg⁻¹ at a power density of 1585.0 W kg⁻¹.

Hydrothermal synthesis, evolution, and electrochemical performance of LiMn0.5Fe0.5PO4 nanostructures

Composition and crystallographic structural evolution of the intermediate involved in the organic free hydrothermal synthesis of LiMn_0.5Fe_0.5PO₄ nanostructures.

Large-scale preparation of Mg doped LiFePO4@C for lithium ion batteries via carbon thermal reduction combined with aqueous rheological phase technology

A uniform distribution of doped metal and coated carbon in the as-prepared LiFePO₄material is obtained. The LiFePO₄delivers a discharge capacity of 166 mA h g⁻¹at 0.1C and presents excellent rate capacity and a high potential plateau at 1C.