Strain Engineering of Layered Heterogeneous Structure via Self‐Evolution Confinement for Ultrahigh‐Rate Cyclic Sodium Storage

Abstract

To get a robust architecture for rapid and permanent ion insertion/extraction, various frameworks are constructed, attempting to enhance the high‐rate lifespan. However, uncontrollable structural evolution always results in the structural failure derived from the continuous increasing inner strain during the cycling. Herein, inspired by the nest structure, a stable framework with wave‐like surface morphology and cross‐linked inner configuration is fabricated, which possesses fast ion migration channel and stable structure. Most importantly, the concept of synchronous self‐evolution confinement is proposed for high‐capacity conversion‐type anode materials, which can control the aggregated inner strain and alleviate the inescapable electrode pulverization, thus ensuring the electrode stability and boosting the structure integrity during the repeated cycling. When serving as an anode for sodium ion batteries, the initial nest‐like (SnFe)S2 heterogeneous mildly evolves into a stable architecture with exceptional performance, expressing a prominent rate property (389.4 mA h g−1 at 30 A g−1) and stable durability (627.41 mA h g−1 at 10 A g−1 for 800 cycles). Significantly, this route of strain engineering sheds significant light on solving large volume‐expansion‐type materials for high reversible capacity, especially in the exploration of electrochemical energy storages.

Unlocking the Potential of Vanadium Oxide for Ultrafast and Stable Zn2+ Storage Through Optimized Stress Distribution: From Engineering Simulation to Elaborate Structure Design

“…[25] Wang et al achieved high-rate Na + storage by designing "bird's nest" layered heterogeneous (SnFe)S 2 to alleviate the strong structural stress induced by high polarization at large current densities. [22] And the COMSOL simulation demonstrates optimized stress distribution for nest-like structures at high current densities. Furthermore, larger specific surface areas and active sites can be provided through reasonable morphology design, leading to faster charge transfer kinetics.…”

“…[1][2][3] Zn-based batteries are promising for commercialization due to their high theoretical capacity (820 mAh g −1 ), relatively high Zn binder and the current collector, which will lead to the fading in capacity. [22][23][24] In addition, such stress can also change the reaction driving force and weaken the reaction rate. [24] Hwang et al showed that the Li + diffusion in Fe 3 O 4 films can arouse unexpected strains and cause mechanical and contact failures.…”

“…[24] Generally, the stress distribution in a material is affected by its inherent morphology from an engineering science point of view. [22] A well-known example is an egg which is difficult to crush when fully held in our hand because its 3D curved shell optimizes the stress distribution and thus greatly attenuates the load per unit area. Similarly, in electrode design, obtaining an optimized stress distribution by regulating the material morphology is also a promising strategy to achieve stable and fast ion transport.…”

Enhancing Reversible Reactions via Phase Engineering on Bi-Crystal GeS2 Nanosheets for Superior Sodium-Ion Storage

“…Up to now, the materials with various sodium storage mechanisms have been researched for sodium ion battery anodes, such as intercalation reactions, conversion-type storage, alloying reactions, and complex reaction types . Among all of the energy storage materials, electrode materials with a multireaction mechanism, especially the conversion-alloying type, express one of the best candidates for SIBs owing to their excellent theoretical capacity (e.g., GeS 2 , SnS 2 , Bi 2 S 3 , Sb 2 S 3 ). , Unfortunately, the practical application of this kind of anode material in SIBs has been restrained by their short lifespan and depressed high-rate properties. , The main reasons for the inferior cycling reversibility of these materials can be concluded as follows: − (I) the serious coarsening phenomenon of Me 0 converted from sulfides inevitably reduces the active interface, which is derived from a recrystallization process and generates inner stresses during the conversion reaction, resulting in the irreversibility of the subsequent reactions. (II) The accumulation of Me 0 at the Me 0 and Na 2 S interface originating from the immiscibility of Me 0 and Na 2 S further aggravates the irreversible reaction.…”

“…14,15 Unfortunately, the practical application of this kind of anode material in SIBs has been restrained by their short lifespan and depressed high-rate properties. 16,17 The main reasons for the inferior cycling reversibility of these materials can be concluded as follows: 18−20 (I) the serious coarsening phenomenon of Me 0 converted from sulfides inevitably reduces the active interface, which is derived from a recrystallization process and generates inner stresses during the conversion reaction, resulting in the irreversibility of the subsequent reactions. (II) The accumulation of Me 0 at the Me 0 and Na 2 S interface originating from the immiscibility of Me 0 and Na 2 S further aggravates the irreversible reaction.…”