Suppression of Voltage Decay through Manganese Deactivation and Nickel Redox Buffering in High‐Energy Layered Lithium‐Rich Electrodes

Cobalt‐free layered lithium‐rich nickel manganese oxides, Li[Li_xNi_yMn_1?x?y]O₂ (LLNMO), are promising positive electrode materials for lithium rechargeable batteries because of their high energy density and low materials cost. However, substantial voltage decay is inevitable upon electrochemical cycling, which makes this class of materials less practical. It has been proposed that undesirable voltage decay is linked to irreversible structural rearrangement involving irreversible oxygen loss and cation migration. Herein, the authors demonstrate that the voltage decay of the electrode is correlated to Mn⁴⁺/Mn³⁺ redox activation and subsequent cation disordering, which can be remarkably suppressed via simple compositional tuning to induce the formation of Ni³⁺ in the pristine material. By implementing our new strategy, the Mn⁴⁺/Mn³⁺ reduction is subdued by an alternative redox reaction involving the use of pristine Ni³⁺ as a redox buffer, which has been designed to be widened from Ni³⁺/Ni⁴⁺ to Ni²⁺/Ni⁴⁺, without compensation for the capacity in principle. Negligible change in the voltage profile of modified LLNMO is observed upon extended cycling, and manganese migration into the lithium layer is significantly suppressed. Based on these findings, we propose a general strategy to suppress the voltage decay of Mn‐containing lithium‐rich oxides to achieve long‐lasting high energy density from this class of materials.     

Advanced Electrolytes for Fast‐Charging High‐Voltage Lithium‐Ion Batteries in Wide‐Temperature Range

LiNi_xMn_yCo_1?x?yO₂ (NMC) cathode materials with Ni ≥ 0.8 have attracted great interest for high energy‐density lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) but their practical applications under high charge voltages (e.g., 4.4 V and above) still face significant challenges due to severe capacity fading by the unstable cathode/electrolyte interface. Here, an advanced electrolyte is developed that has a high oxidation potential over 4.9 V and enables NMC811‐based LIBs to achieve excellent cycling stability in 2.5–4.4 V at room temperature and 60 °C, good rate capabilities under fast charging and discharging up to 3C rate (1C = 2.8 mA cm^?2), and superior low‐temperature discharge performance down to ?30 °C with a capacity retention of 85.6% at C/5 rate. It is also demonstrated that the electrode/electrolyte interfaces, not the electrolyte conductivity and viscosity, govern the LIB performance. This work sheds light on a very promising strategy to develop new electrolytes for fast‐charging high‐energy LIBs in a wide‐temperature range.     

Reducing Capacity and Voltage Decay of Co‐Free Li1.2Ni0.2Mn0.6O2 as Positive Electrode Material for Lithium Batteries Employing an Ionic Liquid‐Based Electrolyte

Lithium‐rich layered oxides (LRLOs) exhibit specific capacities above 250 mAh g^?1, i.e., higher than any of the commercially employed lithium‐ion‐positive electrode materials. Such high capacities result in high specific energies, meeting the tough requirements for electric vehicle applications. However, LRLOs generally suffer from severe capacity and voltage fading, originating from undesired structural transformations during cycling. Herein, the eco‐friendly, cobalt‐free Li_1.2Ni_0.2Mn_0.6O₂ (LRNM), offering a specific energy above 800 Wh kg^?1 at 0.1 C, is investigated in combination with a lithium metal anode and a room temperature ionic liquid‐based electrolyte, i.e., lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide and N‐butyl‐N‐methylpyrrolidinium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide. As evidenced by electrochemical performance and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and online differential electrochemical mass spectrometry characterization, this electrolyte is capable of suppressing the structural transformation of the positive electrode material, resulting in enhanced cycling stability compared to conventional carbonate‐based electrolytes. Practically, the capacity and voltage fading are significantly limited to only 19% and 3% (i.e., lower than 0.2 mV per cycle), respectively, after 500 cycles. Finally, the beneficial effect of the ionic liquid‐based electrolyte is validated in lithium‐ion cells employing LRNM and Li₄Ti₅O₁₂. These cells achieve a promising capacity retention of 80% after 500 cycles at 1 C.     

Elucidating the Effect of Iron Doping on the Electrochemical Performance of Cobalt‐Free Lithium‐Rich Layered Cathode Materials

The eco‐friendly and low‐cost Co‐free Li_1.2Mn_0.585Ni_0.185Fe_0.03O₂ is investigated as a positive material for Li‐ion batteries. The electrochemical performance of the 3 at% Fe‐doped material exhibits an optimal performance with a capacity and voltage retention of 70 and 95%, respectively, after 200 cycles at 1C. The effect of iron doping on the electrochemical properties of lithium‐rich layered materials is investigated by means of in situ X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy and galvanostatic intermittent titration technique during the first charge–discharge cycle while high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy is used to follow the structural and chemical change of the electrode material upon long‐term cycling. By means of these characterizations it is concluded that iron doping is a suitable approach for replacing cobalt while mitigating the voltage and capacity degradation of lithium‐rich layered materials. Finally, complete lithium‐ion cells employing Li_1.2Mn_0.585Ni_0.185Fe_0.03O₂ and graphite show a specific energy of 361 Wh kg^?1 at 0.1C rate and very stable performance upon cycling, retaining more than 80% of their initial capacity after 200 cycles at 1C rate. These results highlight the bright prospects of this material to meet the high energy density requirements for electric vehicles.     

Ni‐Rich/Co‐Poor Layered Cathode for Automotive Li‐Ion Batteries: Promises and Challenges

To pursue a higher energy density (>300 Wh kg^?1 at the cell level) and a lower cost (<$125 kWh^?1 expected at 2022) of Li‐ion batteries for making electric vehicles (EVs) long range and cost‐competitive with internal combustion engine vehicles, developing Ni‐rich/Co‐poor layered cathode (LiNi_1?x?yCo_xMn_yO₂, x+y ≤ 0.2) is currently one of the most promising strategies because high Ni content is beneficial to high capacity (>200 mAh g^?1) while low Co content is favorable to minimize battery cost. Unfortunately, Ni‐rich cathodes suffer from limited structure stability and electrode/electrolyte interface stability in the charged state, leading to electrode degradation and poor cycling performance. To address these problems, various strategies have been employed such as doping, structural optimization design (e.g., core–shell structure, concentration‐gradient structure, etc.), and surface coating. In this review, five key aspects of Ni‐rich/Co‐poor layered cathode materials are explored: energy density, fast charge capability, service life including cycling life and calendar life, cost and element resources, and safety. This enables a comprehensive analysis of current research advances and challenges from the perspective of both academy and industry to help facilitate practical applications for EVs in the future.     

Radially Oriented Single‐Crystal Primary Nanosheets Enable Ultrahigh Rate and Cycling Properties of LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 Cathode Material for Lithium‐Ion Batteries

Ni‐rich Li[Ni_xCo_yMn_1?x?y]O₂ (x ≥ 0.8) layered oxides are the most promising cathode materials for lithium‐ion batteries due to their high reversible capacity of over 200 mAh g^?1. Unfortunately, the anisotropic properties associated with the α‐NaFeO₂ structured crystal grains result in poor rate capability and insufficient cycle life. To address these issues, a micrometer‐sized Ni‐rich LiNi_0.8Co_0.1Mn_0.1O₂ secondary cathode material consisting of radially aligned single‐crystal primary particles is proposed and synthesized. Concomitant with this unique crystallographic texture, all the exposed surfaces are active {010} facets, and 3D Li⁺ ion diffusion channels penetrate straightforwardly from surface to center, remarkably improving the Li⁺ diffusion coefficient. Moreover, coordinated charge–discharge volume change upon cycling is achieved by the consistent crystal orientation, significantly alleviating the volume‐change‐induced intergrain stress. Accordingly, this material delivers superior reversible capacity (203.4 mAh g^?1 at 3.0–4.3 V) and rate capability (152.7 mAh g^?1 at a current density of 1000 mA g^?1). Further, this structure demonstrates excellent cycling stability without any degradation after 300 cycles. The anisotropic morphology modulation provides a simple, efficient, and scalable way to boost the performance and applicability of Ni‐rich layered oxide cathode materials.     

High‐Temperature Treatment of Li‐Rich Cathode Materials with Ammonia: Improved Capacity and Mean Voltage Stability during Cycling

Li‐rich electrode materials of the family x Li₂MnO₃·(1?x )LiNi_a Co_b Mn_c O₂ (a + b + c = 1) suffer a voltage fade upon cycling that limits their utilization in commercial batteries despite their extremely high discharge capacity, ≈250 mA h g^?1. Li‐rich, 0.35Li₂MnO₃·0.65LiNi_0.35Mn_0.45Co_0.20O₂, is exposed to NH₃ at 400 °C, producing materials with improved characteristics: enhanced electrode capacity and a limited average voltage fade during 100 cycles in half cells versus Li. Three main changes caused by NH₃ treatment are established. First, a general bulk reduction of Co and Mn is observed via X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X‐ray absorption near edge structure. Next, a structural rearrangement lowers the coordination number of Co? O and Mn? O bonds, as well as formation of a surface spinel‐like structure. Additionally, Li⁺ removal from the bulk causes the formation of surface LiOH, Li₂CO₃, and Li₂O. These structural and surface changes can enhance the voltage and capacity stability of the Li‐rich material electrodes after moderate NH₃ treatment times of 1–2 h.     

High‐Voltage‐Driven Surface Structuring and Electrochemical Stabilization of Ni‐Rich Layered Cathode Materials for Li Rechargeable Batteries

Layered lithium–nickel–cobalt–manganese oxide (NCM) materials have emerged as promising alternative cathode materials owing to their high energy density and electrochemical stability. Although high reversible capacity has been achieved for Ni‐rich NCM materials when charged beyond 4.2 V versus Li⁺/Li, full lithium utilization is hindered by the pronounced structural degradation and electrolyte decomposition. Herein, the unexpected realization of sustained working voltage as well as improved electrochemical performance upon electrochemical cycling at a high operating voltage of 4.9 V in the Ni‐rich NCM LiNi_0.895Co_0.085Mn_0.02O₂ is presented. The improved electrochemical performance at a high working voltage at 4.9 V is attributed to the removal of the resistive Ni²⁺O rock‐salt surface layer, which stabilizes the voltage profile and improves retention of the energy density during electrochemical cycling. The manifestation of the layered Ni²⁺O rock‐salt phase along with the structural evolution related to the metal dissolution are probed using in situ X‐ray diffraction, neutron diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray absorption spectroscopy. The findings help unravel the structural complexities associated with high working voltages and offer insight for the design of advanced battery materials, enabling the realization of fully reversible lithium extraction in Ni‐rich NCM materials.     

Eliminating Transition Metal Migration and Anionic Redox to Understand Voltage Hysteresis of Lithium‐Rich Layered Oxides

Lithium‐rich layered oxides are promising candidate cathode materials for the Li‐ion batteries with energy densities above 300 Wh kg^?1. However, issues such as the voltage hysteresis and decay hinder their commercial applications. Due to the entanglement of the transition metal (TM) migration and the anionic redox upon lithium extraction at high potentials, it is difficult to recognize the origin of these issues in conventional Li‐rich layered oxides. Herein, Li₂MoO₃ is chosen since prototype material to uncover the reason for the voltage hysteresis as the TM migration and anionic redox can be eliminated below 3.6 V versus Li⁺/Li in this material. On the basis of comprehensive investigations by neutron powder diffraction, scanning transmission electron microscopy, synchrotron X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations, it is clarified that the ordering–disordering transformation of the Mo₃O₁₃ clusters induced by the intralayer Mo migration is responsible for the voltage hysteresis in the first cycle; the hysteresis can take place even without the anionic redox or the interlayer Mo migration. A similar suggestion is drawn for its iso‐structured Li₂RuO₃ (C2/c). These findings are useful for understanding of the voltage hysteresis in other complicated Li‐rich layered oxides.     

Li–Ti Cation Mixing Enhanced Structural and Performance Stability of Li‐Rich Layered Oxide

Li‐rich layered metal oxides are one type of the most promising cathode materials in lithium‐ion batteries but suffer from severe voltage decay during cycling because of the continuous transition metal (TM) migration into the Li layers. A Li‐rich layered metal oxide Li_1.2Ti_0.26Ni_0.18Co_0.18Mn_0.18O₂ (LTR) is hereby designed, in which some of the Ti⁴⁺ cations are intrinsically present in the Li layers. The native Li–Ti cation mixing structure enhances the tolerance for structural distortion and inhibits the migration of the TM ions in the TMO₂ slabs during (de)lithiation. Consequently, LTR exhibits a remarkable cycling stability of 97% capacity retention after 182 cycles, and the average discharge potential drops only 90 mV in 100 cycles. In‐depth studies by electron energy loss spectroscopy and aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy demonstrate the Li–Ti mixing structure. The charge compensation mechanism is uncovered with X‐ray absorption spectroscopy and explained with the density function theory calculations. These results show the superiority of introducing transition metal ions into the Li layers in reinforcing the structural stability of the Li‐rich layered metal oxides. These findings shed light on a possible path to the development of Li‐rich materials with better potential retention and a longer lifespan.     

Recent Advances of Mn‐Rich LiFe1‐yMnyPO4 (0.5 ≤ y < 1.0) Cathode Materials for High Energy Density Lithium Ion Batteries

LiMnPO₄ (LMP) is one of the most potential candidates for high energy density (≈700 W h kg^?1) lithium ion batteries (LIBs). However, the intrinsically low electronic conductivity and lithium ion diffusion coefficient of LMP result in its low performance. To overcome these challenges, it is an effective approach to prepare nanometer‐sized Fe‐doping LMP (LFMP) materials through optimization of the preparation routes. Moreover, surface coating can improve the ionic and electronic conductivity, and decrease the interfacial side reactions between the nanometer particles and electrolyte. Thus, a uniform surface coating will lead to a significant enhancement of the electrochemical performance of LFMP. Currently, considerable efforts have been devoted to improving the electrochemical performance of LiFe_1‐y Mn_y PO₄ (0.5 ≤ y < 1.0) and some important progresses have been achieved. Here, a general overview of the structural features, typical electrochemical behavior, delithiation/lithiation mechanisms, and thermodynamic properties of LiFe_1‐y Mn_y PO₄‐based materials is presented. The recent developments achieved in improvement of the electrochemical performances of LiFe_1‐y Mn_y PO₄‐based materials are summarized, including selecting the synthetic methods, nanostructuring, surface coating, optimizing Fe/Mn ratios and particle morphologies, cation/anion doping, and rational designing of LFMP‐based full cells. Finally, the critical issues at present and future development of LiFe_1‐y Mn_y PO₄‐based materials are discussed.     

A Shell‐Shaped Carbon Architecture with High‐Loading Capability for Lithium Sulfide Cathodes

Lithium sulfide (Li₂S) is considered a highly attractive cathode for establishing high‐energy‐density rechargeable batteries, especially due to its high charge‐storage capacity and compatibility with lithium‐metal‐free anodes. Although various approaches have recently been pursued with Li₂S to obtain high performance, formidable challenges still remain with cell design (e.g., low Li₂S loading, insufficient Li₂S content, and an excess electrolyte) to realize high areal, gravimetric, and volumetric capacities. This study demonstrates a shell‐shaped carbon architecture for holding pure Li₂S, offering innovation in cell‐design parameters and gains in electrochemical characteristics. The Li₂S core–carbon shell electrode encapsulates the redox products within the conductive shell so as to facilitate facile accessibility to electrons and ions. The fast redox‐reaction kinetics enables the cells to attain the highest Li₂S loading of 8 mg cm^?2 and the lowest electrolyte/Li₂S ratio of 9/1, which is the best cell‐design specifications ever reported with Li₂S cathodes so far. Benefiting from the excellent cell‐design criterion, the core–shell cathodes exhibit stable cyclability from slow to fast cycle rates and, for the first time, simultaneously achieve superior performance metrics with areal, gravimetric, and volumetric capacities.     

A Layer‐Structured Electrode Material Reformed by a PO4‐O2 Hybrid Framework toward Enhanced Lithium Storage and Stability

The surface framework of LiCoO₂ is modified through a surface treatment called phosphidation, which suppressed the unwanted phase transition occurring above 4.2 V. The surface instability of LiCoO₂ toward organic electrolytes is simultaneously improved by changing its surface structure from an O₂‐based framework to a PO₄‐based framework that can protect against HF attack during cycling. Phosphidated LiCoO₂ is successfully synthesized that showed greater stability in its bulk and surface structures. The phosphidated form enables faster Li⁺ diffusion and prevents irreversible phase transitions, especially when charged above 4.2 V, and consequently demonstrates excellent cycling performance and rate capabilities. The improved kinetics and stability resulting from phosphidation make LiCoO₂ highly suitable as a high‐voltage cathode material for use in lithium ion batteries.     

High‐Voltage Oxygen‐Redox‐Based Cathode for Rechargeable Sodium‐Ion Batteries

Recently, anionic‐redox‐based materials have shown promising electrochemical performance as cathode materials for sodium‐ion batteries. However, one of the limiting factors in the development of oxygen‐redox‐based electrodes is their low operating voltage. In this study, the operating voltage of oxygen‐redox‐based electrodes is raised by incorporating nickel into P2‐type Na_2/3[Zn_0.3Mn_0.7]O₂ in such a way that the zinc is partially substituted by nickel. As designed, the resulting P2‐type Na_2/3[(Ni_0.5Zn_0.5)_0.3Mn_0.7]O₂ electrode exhibits an average operating voltage of 3.5 V and retains 95% of its initial capacity after 200 cycles in the voltage range of 2.3–4.6 V at 0.1C (26 mA g^?1). Operando X‐ray diffraction analysis reveals the reversible phase transition: P2 to OP4 phase on charge and recovery to the P2 phase on discharge. Moreover, ex situ X‐ray absorption near edge structure and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies reveal that the capacity is generated by the combination of Ni²⁺/Ni⁴⁺ and O^2?/O^1? redox pairs, which is supported by first‐principles calculations. It is thought that this kind of high voltage redox species combined with oxygen redox could be an interesting approach to further increase energy density of cathode materials for not only sodium‐based rechargeable batteries, but other alkali‐ion battery systems.     

Unraveling the Dual Functionality of High‐Donor‐Number Anion in Lean‐Electrolyte Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries

Minimizing electrolyte use is essential to achieve high practical energy density of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries. However, the sulfur cathode is more readily passivated under a lean electrolyte condition, resulting in low sulfur utilization. In addition, continuous electrolyte decomposition on the Li metal anode aggravates the problem, provoking rapid capacity decay. In this work, the dual functionalities of NO₃^? as a high‐donor‐number (DN) salt anion is presented, which improves the sulfur utilization and cycling stability of lean‐electrolyte Li–S batteries. The NO₃^? anion elevates the solubility of the sulfur species based on its high electron donating ability, achieving a high sulfur utilization of above 1200 mA h g^?1. Furthermore, the anion suppresses electrolyte decomposition on the Li metal by regulating the lithium ion (Li⁺) solvation sheath, enhancing the cycle performance of the lean electrolyte cell. By understanding the anionic effects, this work demonstrates the potential of the high‐DN electrolyte, which is beneficial for both the cathode and anode of Li–S batteries.     

Stable Seamless Interfaces and Rapid Ionic Conductivity of Ca–CeO2/LiTFSI/PEO Composite Electrolyte for High‐Rate and High‐Voltage All‐Solid‐State Battery

Stable and seamless interfaces among solid components in all‐solid‐state batteries (ASSBs) are crucial for high ionic conductivity and high rate performance. This can be achieved by the combination of functional inorganic material and flexible polymer solid electrolyte. In this work, a flexible all‐solid‐state composite electrolyte is synthesized based on oxygen‐vacancy‐rich Ca‐doped CeO₂ (Ca–CeO₂) nanotube, lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI), and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), namely Ca–CeO₂/LiTFSI/PEO. Ca–CeO₂ nanotubes play a key role in enhancing the ionic conductivity and mechanical strength while the PEO offers flexibility and assures the stable seamless contact between the solid electrolyte and the electrodes in ASSBs. The as‐prepared electrolyte exhibits high ionic conductivity of 1.3 × 10^?4 S cm^?1 at 60 °C, a high lithium ion transference number of 0.453, and high‐voltage stability. More importantly, various electrochemical characterizations and density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that Ca–CeO₂ helps dissociate LiTFSI, produce free Li ions, and therefore enhance ionic conductivity. The ASSBs based on the as‐prepared Ca–CeO₂/LiTFSI/PEO composite electrolyte deliver high‐rate capability and high‐voltage stability.     

A Lithium Amide‐Borohydride Solid‐State Electrolyte with Lithium‐Ion Conductivities Comparable to Liquid Electrolytes

High ionic conductivity of up to 6.4 × 10^?3 S cm^?1 near room temperature (40 °C) in lithium amide‐borohydrides is reported, comparable to values of liquid organic electrolytes commonly employed in lithium‐ion batteries. Density functional theory is applied coupled with X‐ray diffraction, calorimetry, and nuclear magnetic resonance experiments to shed light on the conduction mechanism. A Li₄Ti₅O₁₂ half‐cell battery incorporating the lithium amide‐borohydride electrolyte exhibits good rate performance up to 3.5 mA cm^?2 (5 C) and stable cycling over 400 cycles at 1 C at 40 °C, indicating high bulk and interfacial stability. The results demonstrate the potential of lithium amide‐borohydrides as solid‐state electrolytes for high‐power lithium‐ion batteries.     

Insight of a Phase Compatible Surface Coating for Long‐Durable Li‐Rich Layered Oxide Cathode

Li‐rich layered oxides (LLOs) can deliver almost double the capacity of conventional electrode materials such as LiCoO₂ and LiMn₂O₄; however, voltage fade and capacity degradation are major obstacles to the practical implementation of LLOs in high‐energy lithium‐ion batteries. Herein, hexagonal La_0.8Sr_0.2MnO_3?y (LSM) is used as a protective and phase‐compatible surface layer to stabilize the Li‐rich layered Li_1.2Ni_0.13Co_0.13Mn_0.54O₂ (LM) cathode material. The LSM is Mn? O? M bonded at the LSM/LM interface and functions by preventing the migration of metal ions in the LM associated with capacity degradation as well as enhancing the electrical transfer and ionic conductivity at the interface. The LSM‐coated LM delivers an enhanced reversible capacity of 202 mAh g^?1 at 1 C (260 mA g^?1) with excellent cycling stability and rate capability (94% capacity retention after 200 cycles and 144 mAh g^?1 at 5 C). This work demonstrates that interfacial bonding between coating and bulk material is a successful strategy for the modification of LLO electrodes for the next‐generation of high‐energy Li‐ion batteries.     

A Li2S‐TiS2‐Electrolyte Composite for Stable Li2S‐Based Lithium–Sulfur Batteries

Li₂S is a fully lithiated sulfur‐based cathode with a high theoretical capacity of 1166 mAh g^?1 that can be coupled with lithium‐free anodes to develop high‐energy‐density lithium–sulfur batteries. Although various approaches have been pursued to obtain a high‐performance Li₂S cathode, there are still formidable challenges with it (e.g., low conductivity, high overpotential, and irreversible polysulfide diffusion) and associated fabrication processes (e.g., insufficient Li₂S, excess electrolyte, and low reversible capacity), which have prevented the realization of high electrochemical utilization and stability. Here, a new cathode design composed of a homogeneous Li₂S‐TiS₂‐electrolyte composite that is prepared by a simple two‐step dry/wet‐mixing process is demonstrated, allowing the liquid electrolyte to wet the powder mixture consisting of insulating Li₂S and conductive TiS₂. The close‐contact, three‐phase boundary of this system improves the Li₂S‐activation efficiency and provides fast redox‐reaction kinetics, enabling the Li₂S‐TiS₂‐electrolyte cathode to attain stable cyclability at C/7 to C/3 rates, superior long‐term cyclability over 500 cycles, and promising high‐rate performance up to 1C rate. More importantly, this improved performance results from a cell design attaining a high Li₂S loading of 6 mg cm^?2, a high Li₂S content of 75 wt%, and a low electrolyte/Li₂S ratio of 6.     

Understanding Ostwald Ripening and Surface Charging Effects in Solvothermally‐Prepared Metal Oxide–Carbon Anodes for High Performance Rechargeable Batteries

Metal oxides synthesized by the solvothermal approach have widespread applications, while their nanostructure control remains challenging because their reaction mechanism is still not fully understood. Herein, it is demonstrated how the competitive relation between Ostwald ripening and surface charging during solvothermal synthesis is crucial to engineering high‐quality metal (oxide)–carbon nanomaterials. Using SnO₂ as a case study, a new type of hollow SnO₂–C hybrid nanoparticles is synthesized consisting of core–shell structured SnO₂@C nanodots (which has not been previously reported). This new anode material exhibits extremely high lithium storage capacity of 1225 and 955 mAh g^?1 at 200 and 500 mA g^?1, respectively, and excellent cycling stability. In addition, full‐battery cells are constructed combining SnO₂–C anode with Ni‐rich cathode, which can be charged to a higher voltage compared to commercial graphite anode and still demonstrate extraordinary rate performance. This study provides significant insight into the largely unexplored reaction mechanism during solvothermal synthesis, and demonstrates how such understanding can be used to achieve high‐performance metal (oxide)–C anodes for rechargeable batteries.