Ant-nest-like Cu2−xSe@C with biomimetic channels boosts the cycling performance for lithium storage. Issue 24 (26th May 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Luo, Wanshu; Cao, Meng; Pan, Hanqing; Wang, Qingqing; Ma, Yinglan; Wang, Chao; Wang, Ying; Gu, Yingqiu; Zhang, Lei
• Is Part Of: Dalton transactions. Volume 50:Issue 24(2021)
• Page Start: 8330
• Page End: 8337
• Publication Date: 2021-05-26
• Subjects: Chemistry, Inorganic -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Physical and theoretical -- Periodicals; Chemistry, Inorganic -- Periodicals; 546.05
• DOI: 10.1039/d1dt01061a
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1477-9226

Abstract

Abstract : The ant-nest-like Cu2− x Se@C, composed of interconnected Cu2− x Se channels with amorphous carbon, can deliver a capacity of 879 mA h g −1 after 2500 cycles at 10.0 A g −1. Abstract : Controlling the microstructure and composition of electrodes is crucial to enhance their rate capability and cycling stability for lithium storage. Inspired by the highly interconnected network and good mechanical integrity of an ant-nest architecture, herein, a biomimetic strategy is proposed to enhance the electrochemical performance of Cu2− x Se. After facile carbonization and selenization treatments, the 3D Cu-MOF is successfully transformed into the final ant-nest-like Cu2− x Se@C (AN–Cu2− x Se@C). The AN–Cu2− x Se@C is composed of interconnected Cu2− x Se channels with amorphous carbon coated on the outer surface. The 3D interconnected channels within the AN–Cu2− x Se@C provide fast charge transport pathways and enhanced structural integrity to tolerate the large volume fluctuations of Cu2− x Se during cycling. When applied as the anode for lithium storage, the AN–Cu2− x Se@C shows remarkable electrochemical performance with a high capacity of 1452 mA h g −1 after 1200 cycles at 1.0 A g −1 and 879 mA h g −1 after 2500 cycles at 10.0 A g −1, respectively. Mechanism investigations demonstrate that the AN–Cu2− x Se@C experiences complicated conversion–intercalation co-existence reactions upon cycling. The existence of capacitive behaviour (74%) also contributes to the extended cycling performance. Our work offers a new avenue for designing a high performance electrode using the biomimetic concept.