Mott-Schottky Effect in Core-Shell W@W_x C Heterostructure: Boosting Both Electronic/Ionic Kinetics for Lithium...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Traditional metal carbides (TMCs) exhibit slow dynamics, limiting fast-charging capabilities in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).
• Developing advanced anode materials is crucial for improving LIB performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engineer a core-shell W@W_xC heterostructure to enhance electronic and ionic transport kinetics in LIBs.
• To investigate the application of Mott-Schottky heterostructures for improved battery performance.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a W@W_xC core-shell nanostructure with heterogeneous interfaces.
• Fabrication of LIB electrodes using the novel W@W_xC material.
• Electrochemical testing to evaluate capacity, stability, and energy density.

Main Results:

• The W@W_xC heterostructure demonstrated accelerated electronic and ionic transport via the Mott-Schottky effect.
• The electrode maintained a capacity of 173.8 mA h g^-1 after 1600 cycles at 5 A g^-1.
• A full cell utilizing this anode achieved an energy density of 360.2 Wh kg^-1.

Conclusions:

• The W@W_xC core-shell structure effectively improves the electrochemical stability and fast-charging performance of LIB anodes.
• The Mott-Schottky heterostructure presents a promising strategy for next-generation LIB materials.