SnO₂@PANI Core–Shell Nanorod Arrays on 3D Graphite Foam: A High-Performance Integrated Electrode for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

The rational design and controllable fabrication of electrode materials with tailored structures and superior performance is highly desirable for the next-generation lithium ion batteries (LIBs). In this work, a novel three-dimensional (3D) graphite foam (GF)@SnO nanorod arrays (NRAs)@polyaniline (PANI) hybrid architecture was constructed via solvothermal growth followed by electrochemical deposition. Aligned SnO NRAs were uniformly grown on the surface of GF, and a PANI shell with a thickness of ∼40 nm was coated on individual SnO nanorods, forming a SnO@PANI core-shell structure. Benefiting from the synergetic effect of 3D GF with large surface area and high conductivity, SnO NRAs offering direct pathways for electrons and lithium ions, and the conductive PANI shell that accommodates the large volume variation of SnO, the binder-free, integrated GF@SnO NRAs@PANI electrode for LIBs exhibited high capacity, excellent rate capability, and good electrochemical stability. A high discharge capacity of 540 mAh g (calculated by the total mass of the electrode) was achieved after 50 cycles at a current density of 500 mA g. Moreover, the electrode demonstrated superior rate performance with a discharge capacity of 414 mAh g at a high rate of 3 A g.

Application of Polyaniline for Li‐Ion Batteries, Lithium–Sulfur Batteries, and Supercapacitors

“…In LIBs, conductive agents and electrically insulating binders added during electrode preparation do not contribute to its capacity, but rather give rise to a large interfacial charge‐transfer resistance as a result of increased grain boundaries having adverse effects on the electrochemical properties . Consequently, many researchers make great efforts to identify novel electronically conducting binders instead of the electrochemically inactive conductive carbon additives and non‐conductive binders.…”

Three‐Dimensional Graphene‐Foam‐Supported Hierarchical Nickel Iron Phosphide Nanosheet Arrays as Efficient and Stable Bifunctional Electrocatalysts for Overall Water Splitting

“…In this work, the I 2D /I G value of the synthesized 3D graphene foam is 0.47, exhibiting that the prepared graphene has a multilayer structure . The strength of D band at 1350 cm −1 is very low, indicating that the graphene foam treated before HNO 3 is of high quality with very few defects, ensures fast transport of electrons . The treatment by HNO 3 at 100 °C for 10 h can introduce appropriate defects into the surface of 3D graphene foam.…”

Facile Synthesis of Flower‐Like MnCo2O4@PANi‐rGO: A High‐Performance Anode Material for Lithium‐Ion Batteries

“…In this architecture, the 3D graphite foam (GF) provides a large specific surface area and high electronic conductivity. The SnO 2 NRAs provide direct transfer pathways for the electrons and lithium ions; at the same time, the conductive polyaniline (PANi) shell effectively accommodates the large volume variation in SnO 2 during the electrode reactions . Zhou et al.…”

“…The SnO 2 NRAs provide direct transfer pathways for the electrons and lithium ions; at the same time, the conductive polyaniline (PANi) shell effectively accommodates the large volume variation in SnO 2 during the electrode reactions. [26] Zhou et al reported PANi-encapsulated Si on a 3D carbon nanotube foam as the anode for LIBs. The authors utilized melamine as a template, which was carbonized to form carbon nanotubes, and then attached high-capacity silicon and deposited PANi.…”