CTAB-assisted growth of self-supported Zn2GeO4 nanosheet network on a conductive foam as a binder-free electrode for long-life lithium-ion batteries. Issue 3 (22nd November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gao, Guoxin; Xiang, Yang; Lu, Shiyao; Dong, Bitao; Chen, Sheng; Shi, Lei; Wang, Yuankun; Wu, Hu; Li, Zhaoyang; Abdelkader, Amr; Xi, Kai; Ding, Shujiang
• Is Part Of: Nanoscale. Volume 10:Issue 3(2018)
• Page Start: 921
• Page End: 929
• Publication Date: 2017-11-22
• Subjects: Nanoscience -- Periodicals; Nanotechnology -- Periodicals; 620.505
• DOI: 10.1039/c7nr05407f
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2040-3364

Abstract

Abstract : Ultrathin ZnGe2 O4 NSs are fabricated on a nickel foam via a CTAB-assisted hydrothermal process. Abstract : The Ge-based compounds show great potential as replacements for traditional graphite anode in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, large volume changes and low conductivity of such materials result in a poor electrochemical cycling and rate performance. Herein, we fabricate a self-supported and three-dimensional (3D) sponge-like structure of interlinked Zn2 GeO4 ultrathin nanosheets anchored vertically on a nickel foam (ZGO NSs@NF) via a simple hydrothermal process assisted by cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). Such robust self-supported hybrid structures greatly improve the structural tolerance of the active materials and accommodate the volume variation that occurs during repeated electrochemical cycling. As expected, the self-supported ZGO NSs@NF composites demonstrate an excellent lithium storage with a high discharge capacity, a long cycling life, and a good rate capability when used as binder-free anodes for LIBs. A high reversible discharge capacity of 794 mA h g −1 is maintained after 500 cycles at 200 mA g −1, corresponding to 81% capacity retention of the second cycle. Further evaluation at a higher current density (2 A g −1 ) also delivers a reversible discharge capacity (537 mA h g −1 ) for this binder-free anode. This novel 3D structure of the self-supported ultrathin nanosheets on a conductive substrate, with its volume buffer effect and good interfacial contacts, can stimulate the progress of other energy-efficient technologies.