Controlling precise voids in the ion-selective carbon shell for zero-strain electrode

Low-strain nanoarchitectures are the precondition for offering a stable electrochemical environment towards high-performance lithium-ion battery anode in the compaction system. Realizing the zero-strain for each particle of high-capacity anode is a scientific challenge, because of huge volume changes arising during the in-sertion/extraction process of Li+ . Herein, we develop a facile and general strategy to construct a freestanding transition metal oxides (TMOs) anode with consecutive nanoarrays of yolk-shell nanorods. By confining the dehydration process in the ion-selective carbon-ene-yne (CEY) nanotubes, free space can be precisely created for alleviating the excessive volume expansion of internal particles. The all-carbon CEY not only conducts the electrons and supports the nanoarchitecture of the anode, but also provides the high-areal-density atomic-level selective channels for Li+ diffusion and prevents the electrolyte from decomposition. The as-obtained strainless anode demonstrates an ultra-stable architecture and interface during cycling, leading to a high specific capacity and enhanced cycling ability. Our result demonstrates the significant advantages to largely produce zero-strain architecture, towards ideally solving the crucial issues confronted in the high-volume-change electrode.

Automated summary

In this study, a facile method was developed to construct a freestanding transition metal oxides anode with consecutive nanoarrays of yolk-shell nanorods. The obtained anode demonstrated a zero-strain, ultra-stable architecture and interface, leading to high specific capacity and enhanced cycling ability.