Mismatching integration-enabled strains and defects engineering in LDH microstructure for high-rate and long-life...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Layered double hydroxides (LDH) show promise for charge storage but suffer from slow reaction dynamics.
• Developing efficient energy storage materials requires addressing limitations in charge transport and reaction kinetics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer wrinkled Mn/NiCo-LDH structures with enhanced charge storage capabilities.
• To investigate the role of Mn integration, strain, and defects in improving reaction dynamics.
• To provide insights into controllable structure design for high-efficiency energy storage.

Main Methods:

• Configuring wrinkled Mn/NiCo-LDH through mismatching integration of Mn sites.
• Utilizing theoretical and operando investigations to analyze reaction mechanisms.
• Characterizing electrochemical performance, including capacity, rate capability, and cycle life.

Main Results:

• The engineered Mn/NiCo-LDH exhibited a high capacity of 518 C g^-1 at 1 A g^-1.
• Achieved remarkable rate performance (78% retention at 100 A g^-1) and long cycle stability (10,000 cycles without decay).
• Demonstrated that Mn integration and compressive strain promote ion/electron transport and reaction dynamics.

Conclusions:

• The wrinkled Mn/NiCo-LDH structure effectively enhances mass and charge transport for superior energy storage.
• Mn sites play a crucial role in boosting ion adsorption, electron transfer, and overall electrochemical activity.
• This work offers a pathway for designing advanced LDH materials for efficient energy storage solutions.