Structure-designed synthesis of yolk–shell hollow ZnFe2O4/C@N-doped carbon sub-microspheres as a competitive anode for high-performance Li-ion batteries. Issue 37 (25th July 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hou, Linrui; Bao, Ruiqi; Zhang, Yanru; Sun, Xuan; Zhang, Jinyang; Dou, Hui; Zhang, Xiaogang; Yuan, Changzhou
• Is Part Of: Journal of materials chemistry. Volume 6:Issue 37(2018)
• Page Start: 17947
• Page End: 17958
• Publication Date: 2018-07-25
• Subjects: Materials -- Research -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Analytic -- Periodicals; Environmental sciences -- Research -- Periodicals; 543.0284
• DOI: 10.1039/c8ta04347g
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-7488

Abstract

Abstract : Hierarchical H-ZFO–C@void@C sub-microspheres were purposefully designed, and exhibited excellent Li-storage behaviors as a competitive anode towards advanced Li-ion batteries. Abstract : Spinel ZnFe2 O4 (ZFO) has recently gained prominence as a fascinating anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) owing to its intrinsic merits. However, serious electrode pulverization and modest electrical conductivity hugely hinder its commercial application. Herein, we describe the deliberate fabrication of a multi-functional yolk–shell hollow architecture, designated as H-ZFO–C@void@C, where hollow ZFO sub-microspheres with an internal well-distributed carbon network were prepared in a template-free manner as a yolk, along with a conductive N-doped carbon nanoshell and functional void interspace. Structural/geometric simulations and experiments confirm that the well-defined internal void and hollow interior of the yolk can efficiently accommodate volumetric expansion over lithiation without breaking the outer nanoshell while ensuring good yolk–shell electronic contact and a thin yet stable solid–electrolyte-interphase film on the outer surface. The conducting nano-carbon shell and continuous internal carbon network prevent the serious aggregation of nano-ZFO subunits, and facilitate convenient charge transfer during repeated lithiation/delithiation processes. Benefiting from the synergetic contributions of these appealing design rationales, our integrated H-ZFO–C@void@C anode delivers a high initial coulombic efficiency of ∼76.8%, a remarkable reversible capacity of ∼775 mA h g −1 at 2000 mA g −1, and long-term cyclability after 500 cycles at a high rate of 1000 mA g −1 . More promisingly, our design here offers a competitive metal oxide-based anode structure for advanced LIBs.