The
transition metal-based layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have
been extensively studied as promising functional nanomaterials owing
to their excellent electrochemical activity and tunable chemical composition.
In this work, using acetate anions (Ac–) as intercalating
elements, the NiCo-LDH nanosheets arraying on Ni foam with different
amounts of Ac– anion intercalation or volume of
hydrothermal solution were prepared by a simple hydrothermal method.
The optimized amount of Ac– anions expanded the
interlayer space of LDH nanosheets from 0.8 to 0.94 nm. An ultrahigh
specific capacity of 1200 C g–1 at 1 A g–1 (690 C g–1 without Ac– anions),
an outstanding rate capability of 72.5% at 30 A g–1, and a cycle stability of 79.90% after 4500 cycles were mainly attributed
to the higher interlayer spacing of Ac– anion intercalation.
The enlarged interlayer spacing was beneficial for stabilizing the
α-phase of LDHs and accelerating the electron transport and
electrolyte penetration in the electrochemical reaction. This work
sheds light on the mechanisms of the interlayer spacing regulation
of NiCo-LDH nanosheets and offers a promising strategy to synthesize
functional nanomaterials with excellent electrochemical performance
via integrating their unique layered structure and interlayer anion
exchange characteristics.