Constructing Robust Solid Electrolyte Interface via ZrO2 Coating Layer for Hard Carbon Anode in Sodium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

Hard carbon (HC) has attracted extensive attention due to its rich material source, environmental non-toxicity, superior sodium storage capacity, and lower sodium storage potential, and is considered most likely to be a commercial anode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Nevertheless, the limited initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) of HC is the main bottleneck hindering its practical application. To alleviate this issue, herein, a ZrO2 coating was skillfully constructed by using a facile liquid phase coating method. The ZrO2 coating can act as a physical barrier to prevent direct contact between the HC surface and the electrolyte, thus effectively reducing irreversible sodium adsorption and inhibiting the continuous decomposition of the electrolyte. Meanwhile, this fresh interface can contribute to the generation of a thinner solid electrolyte interface (SEI) with high ionic conductivity. As a result, the ICE of the ZrO2-coated HC electrode can be optimized up to 79.2% (64.4% for pristine HC). Furthermore, the ZrO2-coated HC electrode delivers outstanding cyclic stability so that the capacity retention rate can reach 82.6% after 2000 cycles at 1 A g−1 (55.8% for pristine HC). This work provides a flexible and versatile surface modification method to improve the electrochemical property of HC, and hopefully accelerate the practical application of HC anodes for SIBs.

Recent Progress in Hard Carbon Anodes for Sodium‐Ion Batteries

“…The optimized hard carbon had a high reversible capacity of 321.5 mAh g −1 at 50 mA g −1 and a capacity retention of 86.9% for 2000 cycles at 1 A g −1 . Gong et al [ 138 ] constructed a ZrO 2 layer on the hard carbon surface using the liquid‐phase coating method and optimized the ICE to 79.2% (bare electrode: 64.4%). Besides, the hard carbon anode had excellent cycling stability ( Table 3 ).…”

Nanometer-thin ZrO2 Coating for NiO on MWCNTs as Anode for Improved Performance of Sodium-Ion Batteries

“…24,25 The surface coating of the composite on the nanoscale with inert metal oxide like ZrO 2 avoids side reactions, improves electron/ion conduction, considerably improves structural integrity for prolonged cycling, and also improves rate capability and battery cycles. 25 In the current study, NiO nanoparticles have been grown on the surface of functionalized MWCNTs and afterward coated with ZrO 2 using the facile coprecipitation method. A SIB anode made from synthesized material showed good cyclic stability, high specific capacity, and enhanced rate characteristics.…”

“…ZrO 2 is a large band gap semiconductor and is often used for the protection of optical filters and mirrors; as an electrode and thermal barrier coating; and in electroceramics, thermos-luminescence UV dosimeters, and electrochromic devices. 24,25 The surface coating of the composite on the nanoscale with inert metal oxide like ZrO 2 avoids side reactions, improves electron/ion conduction, considerably improves structural integrity for prolonged cycling, and also improves rate capability and battery cycles. 25 In the current study, NiO nanoparticles have been grown on the surface of functionalized MWCNTs and afterward coated with ZrO 2 using the facile coprecipitation method.…”

“…To further prevent the nanostructure from the harsh electrolyte, especially during the initial charge/discharge cycles, the system can be coated with ZrO 2 , which exhibits excellent dimensional and chemical stability. ZrO 2 is a large band gap semiconductor and is often used for the protection of optical filters and mirrors; as an electrode and thermal barrier coating; and in electro-ceramics, thermos-luminescence UV dosimeters, and electrochromic devices. , The surface coating of the composite on the nanoscale with inert metal oxide like ZrO 2 avoids side reactions, improves electron/ion conduction, considerably improves structural integrity for prolonged cycling, and also improves rate capability and battery cycles …”

Manipulating the corrosion homogeneity of aluminum anode toward long‐life rechargeable aluminum battery

“…In particular, rechargeable batteries provide an efficient way to fulfill the growing need for energy conversion and storage. [1][2][3][4][5] Hence, secondary batteries should be characterized by high energy density, safety, long cycle life, low cost, and environmental friendliness. Among them, Al-based energy storage systems could satisfy the abovementioned criteria due to their low cost, high gravimetric capacity (2980 mAh g −1 ) and high volumetric capacity (8040 mAh cm −3 ).…”