A Safer High-Energy Lithium-Ion Capacitor Using Fast-Charging and Stable ω-Li₃ V₂ O₅ Anode

Lithium-ion capacitors (LICs) are flourishing toward high energy density and high safety, which depend significantly on the performance of the intercalation-type anodes used in LICs. However, commercially available graphite and Li₄ Ti₅ O₁₂ anodes in LICs suffer from inferior electrochemical performance and safety risks due to limited rate capability, energy density, thermal decomposition, and gassing issues. Here a safer high-energy LIC based on a fast-charging ω-Li₃ V₂ O₅ (ω-LVO) anode with a stable bulk/interface structure is reported. The electrochemical performance, thermal safety, and gassing behavior of the ω-LVO-based LIC device are investigated, followed by the exploration of the stability of the ω-LVO anode. The ω-LVO anode exhibits fast lithium-ion transport kinetics at room/elevated temperatures. Paired with an active carbon (AC) cathode, the AC||ω-LVO LIC with high energy density and long-term endurability is achieved. The accelerating rate calorimetry, in situ gas assessment, and ultrasonic scanning imaging technologies further verify the high safety of the as-fabricated LIC device. Theoretical and experimental results unveil that the high safety originates from the high structure/interface stability of the ω-LVO anode. This work provides important insights into electrochemical/thermochemical behaviors of ω-LVO-based anodes within LICs and offers new opportunities to develop safer high-energy LIC devices.