Three-dimensionally ordered macroporous FeF3 and its in situ homogenous polymerization coating for high energy and power density lithium ion batteries

Abstract

A new hybrid nanostructure composed of three-dimensionally ordered macroporous (3DOM) FeF₃ and an homogenous coating of poly(3, 4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) is successfully synthesized using polystyrene (PS) colloidal crystals as hard template, and the coating of PEDOT is achieved through a novel in situ polymerization method. The special nanostructure provides a three-dimensional, continuous, and fast electronic and ionic path in the electrode. Surprisingly, the advantageous combination of 3DOM structure and homogenous coating of PEDOT endows the as-prepared hybrid nanostructures with a stable and high reversible discharge capacity up to 210 mA h g⁻¹ above 2.0 V at room temperature (RT), and a good rate capability of 120 mA h g⁻¹ at a high current density of 1 A g⁻¹, which opens up new opportunities in the development of high performance next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).