Outstanding Low-Temperature Performance of Structure-Controlled Graphene Anode Based on Surface-Controlled Charge Storage Mechanism

The energy and power performance of lithium (Li)-ion batteries is significantly reduced at low-temperature conditions, which is mainly due to the slow diffusion of Li-ions in graphite anode. Here, it is demonstrated that the effective utilization of the surface-controlled charge storage mechanism through the transition from layered graphite to 3D crumpled graphene (CG) dramatically improves the Li-ion charge storage kinetics and structural stability at low-temperature conditions. The structure-controlled CG anode prepared via a one-step aerosol drying process shows a remarkable rate-capability by delivering approximate to 206 mAh g(-1) at a high current density of 10 A g(-1) at room temperature. At an extremely low temperature of -40 degrees C, CG anode still exhibits a high capacity of approximate to 154 mAh g(-1) at 0.01 A g(-1) with excellent rate-capability and cycling stability. A combination of electrochemical studies and density functional theory (DFT) reveals that the superior performance of CG anode stems from the dominant surface-controlled charge storage mechanism at various defect sites. This study establishes the effective utilization of the surface-controlled charge storage mechanism through structure-controlled graphene as a promising strategy to improve the charge storage kinetics and stability under low-temperature conditions.

Automated summary

By transitioning from layered graphite to 3D crumpled graphene, the surface-controlled charge storage mechanism is effectively utilized to improve the lithium-ion battery's charge storage kinetics and stability at low-temperature conditions. The structure-controlled crumpled graphene anode demonstrates high rate-capability and cycling stability even at extremely low temperatures, offering a promising strategy for enhancing battery performance in cold environments.