Ultrahigh-rate lithium-ion batteries with 3D fungus-structured carbon/CuC2O4·xH2O electrodes

Abstract

Herein, an excellent anode material, which comprised the 3D fungus-structured carbon (3DFC) and the CuC₂O₄·xH₂O nanocrystal, was demonstrated for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). The hierarchically porous carbon provided an ideal structure for rapid electron and ion transport and the unique redox properties of CuC₂O₄·xH₂O nanocrystals inhibited the formation of a solid electrolyte interphase, leading to excellent C-rate capacity and cycling stability. The LIBs with the 3DFC@CuC₂O₄·xH₂O anode exhibited reversible capacities of 1158.6 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.5C rate, 593.1 mA h g⁻¹ at 10C, and 250 mA h g⁻¹ at 100C rate (1C = 372 mA h g⁻¹). Furthermore, excellent capacity recycling stability was obtained even at very high C rates, namely, the capacity retention after 1000 cycles still achieved 93.8% at 10C rate and 92.4% at 100C rate. In addition, only 21.8 seconds at 100C was needed for the battery to complete the charging process.