3D spatially-confined magnetic anodes towards advanced lithium ion batteries

Magnetic transition-metal oxides show great prospect as alternatives to prevail anodic carbonaceous substances for lithium ion battery in virtue of their splendid theoretical capacity. However, in addition to their intrinsic poor electronic conductivity, the severe agglomeration of the forming magnetic metal nanoparticles during dis-charging will deteriorate their actual electrochemical performance in a strong magnetic field environment. Here, we demonstrate a 3D spatially-confining magnetic anode to settle all these dilemmas, in which conversion-type magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles with a thin carbon encapsulation layer are anchoring onto 3D nickel nanotube arrays skeleton (Ni/Fe3O4@C NTAs). The carbon shell spatially confines the agglomeration of Fe nanoparticles and maintains the exceptional integrity of structure. The Ni/Fe3O4@C NTAs anode exhibits high-capacity lithium storage (-1286 mAh g-1 at 0.1 C) and superior rate/cycle capability (retaining-97 % of initial reversible value at 1 C after long-term 1000 cycles).

Automated summary

Magnetic transition-metal oxides are promising alternatives to carbonaceous substances as anode materials for lithium ion batteries due to their high theoretical capacity. However, their poor electronic conductivity and severe agglomeration of nanoparticles during discharging adversely affect their electrochemical performance. In this study, a 3D spatially-confining magnetic anode with carbon encapsulated Fe3O4 nanoparticles anchored onto 3D nickel nanotube arrays skeleton is demonstrated. The anode exhibits high-capacity lithium storage and excellent rate/cycle capability.