A Three-Layer Heterostructured Anode for Fast-Charging LIBs with 30 A g^-1 Current Density and 10 000 Cycle Durability

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• The rapid expansion of the lithium-ion battery (LIB) industry necessitates advanced anode materials for high-demand applications, particularly fast charging.
• Current anode materials face limitations in accommodating the high energy and power densities required for fast-charging LIBs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and synthesize a novel 3D heterostructured anode material, C@MoSe₂/SnSe₂@CNTO, for high-performance, fast-charging LIBs.
• To investigate the electrochemical properties and long-term stability of the designed anode.

Main Methods:

• A multi-in-one organic combination strategy was employed to create the 3D heterostructured anode.
• High-temperature annealing was used for the synthesis of the C@MoSe₂/SnSe₂@CNTO material.
• Electrochemical performance was evaluated through galvanostatic cycling, rate capability tests, and full-cell assembly with commercial LiFePO₄.

Main Results:

• The C@MoSe₂/SnSe₂@CNTO anode demonstrated a high reversible capacity of 1788 mAh g^-1 over 500 cycles at 0.5 A g^-1.
• Exceptional rate capability was observed, with a capacity of 667 mAh g^-1 retained after 10,000 cycles at a high current density of 30 A g^-1.
• In a full cell configuration, the anode delivered a stable capacity of 102 mAh g^-1 at 1C over 20 cycles, indicating practical compatibility.

Conclusions:

• The 3D heterostructured design effectively enhances electron transfer and mitigates volume expansion, crucial for fast-charging anodes.
• The synergistic effects of heterojunctions, cycling-generated hard carbon, and stable SnSe₂ nanoparticles contribute to superior capacity and longevity.
• This study presents a promising strategy for developing high-performance LIB anodes with potential for real-world applications.