Structural Engineering of Hierarchical Micro‐nanostructured Ge–C Framework by Controlling the Nucleation for Ultralong‐Life Li Storage. Issue 19 (28th March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Shilin; Zheng, Yang; Huang, Xuejuan; Hong, Jian; Cao, Bin; Hao, Junnan; Fan, Qining; Zhou, Tengfei; Guo, Zaiping
• Is Part Of: Advanced energy materials. Volume 9:Issue 19(2019)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2019-03-28
• Subjects: germanium–carbon frameworks -- lithium storage -- mechanism understanding -- micro‐nanostructures -- structural engineering; Energy harvesting -- Materials -- Periodicals; Energy conversion -- Materials -- Periodicals; Energy storage -- Materials -- Periodicals; Photovoltaics -- Periodicals; Fuel cells -- Periodicals; Thermoelectric materials -- Periodicals; 621.31
• DOI: 10.1002/aenm.201900081
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1614-6832

Abstract

Abstract: The rational design of a proper electrode structure with high energy and power densities, long cycling lifespan, and low cost still remains a significant challenge for developing advanced energy storage systems. Germanium is a highly promising anode material for high‐performance lithium ion batteries due to its large specific capacity and remarkable rate capability. Nevertheless, poor cycling stability and high price significantly limit its practical application. Herein, a facile and scalable structural engineering strategy is proposed by controlling the nucleation to fabricate a unique hierarchical micro‐nanostructured Ge–C framework, featuring high tap density, reduced Ge content, superb structural stability, and a 3D conductive network. The constructed architecture has demonstrated outstanding reversible capacity of 1541.1 mA h g −1 after 3000 cycles at 1000 mA g −1 (with 99.6% capacity retention), markedly exceeding all the reported Ge–C electrodes regarding long cycling stability. Notably, the assembled full cell exhibits superior performance as well. The work paves the way to constructing novel metal–carbon materials with high performance and low cost for energy‐related applications. Abstract : A multifunctional hierarchical micronanostructured Ge–C framework (GCF) is obtained through a scalable structural engineering protocol by controlling the nucleation of the metal–organic precursor. This unique micro‐nanostructured material inherits the advantages of both microsized and nanosized structures, thus addressing most of the issues responsible for the inferior electrochemical performance of Ge anodes in half/full cells.