Three-dimensional nanoporous tungsten supported tellurium cathode for Li-Te batteries

Nanoporous tungsten (np-W) synthesized by a facile dealloying strategy was utilized as the host to accommodate tellurium (Te) for Li-Te batteries. The np-W supported Te (np-W-Te) cathode exhibits an excellent specific volumetric capacity of 1168 mA h cm(-3) after 30 cycles, a good cycling performance of 200 cycles with a coulombic efficiency over 98.9%, and fast rate capabilities of 1612 mA h cm(-3) at a current density of 50 mA g(-1) and 774 mA h cm(-3) at 800 mA g(-1). The excellent performance of the np-W-Te cathode is attributed to the highly dispersed Te impregnated in the np-W host with rich porosity, high conductivity and superior stability. The mechanism investigation by in situ Raman and ex situ XRD techniques demonstrates the reversible transformation between Li and Li2Te during the charge discharge processes. This study highlights the nanoporous metal as a promising host to confine Te for Li-Te batteries. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Nanoporous tungsten synthesized by a facile dealloying strategy was used to accommodate tellurium for Li-Te batteries, resulting in a cathode material with excellent performance. The cathode exhibited high volumetric capacity, good cycling performance, and fast rate capabilities, with reversible transformation observed between lithium and Li2Te during charge-discharge processes. This study highlights the potential of nanoporous metals as promising hosts for tellurium in Li-Te batteries.