Ultra-small and highly crystallized ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles within double graphene networks for super-long life lithium-ion batteries. Issue 22 (24th May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Longhai; Wei, Tong; Yue, Jingming; Sheng, Lizhi; Jiang, Zimu; Yang, Deren; Yuan, Libo; Fan, Zhuangjun
• Is Part Of: Journal of materials chemistry. Volume 5:Issue 22(2017)
• Page Start: 11188
• Page End: 11196
• Publication Date: 2017-05-24
• Subjects: Materials -- Research -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Analytic -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; 543.0284
• DOI: 10.1039/c7ta02726e
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-7488

Abstract

Abstract : We report a novel strategy for spatial confinement of ultra-small and highly crystallized ZnFe2 O4 nanoparticles within double graphene networks constructed by ultra-small and large graphene sheets. The ZnFe2 O4 /graphene hybrid exhibits a large reversible capacity, excellent rate capability, and superior cycling stability. Abstract : To achieve high-performance lithium ion batteries (LIBs), tremendous efforts have been devoted to the design of multifunctional electrode materials with a short Li + diffusion pathway, high electronic conduction, large electrode/electrolyte contact area and efficiency elastic buffer space to accommodate volume change during cycling. However, the design and synthesis of these versatile structures still remain a big challenge. Here, for the first time we present a novel strategy for spatial confinement of ultra-small and highly crystallized ZnFe2 O4 nanoparticles (∼12 nm) within double graphene networks constructed by ultra-small graphene sheets (USGNs) and large graphene sheets (GNs). The interconnected double graphene networks can act as a "barrier" for spatially confined growth of ZnFe2 O4 and as a "structural buffer" for enhanced cycling stability, as well as electrically conductive paths. As a result, the ZnFe2 O4 /USGN/GN exhibits a large reversible capacity of 1257 mA h g −1 at 0.1 A g −1, excellent rate capability (575 mA h g −1 at 1 A g −1 ), and superior cycling stability (706 mA h g −1 at 0.5 A g −1 after 1000 cycles and 475 mA h g −1 at 1 A g −1 even after 2000 cycles). Our strategy can be further extended to the fabrication of other electrode materials for supercapacitors, fuel cells and metal-ion batteries.