Combining transition metal oxides with carbon-based materials through engineered chemical interfaces improves conductivity, storage capacity, and stability, boosting energy storage system performance.
Dongguk University researchers have significantly advanced lithium-ion battery technology by creating a new hybrid anode material. This cutting-edge design uses a hierarchical heterostructure composite to fine-tune nanoscale material interfaces, significantly boosting energy storage capacity and cycling stability.
This innovation combines graphene oxide’s exceptional conductivity with the energy storage features of nickel-iron compounds, paving the way for more efficient electronics and sustainable energy solutions.
This advanced composite is a hierarchical structure combining reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with nickel-iron layered double hydroxides (NiFe-LDH). rGO enhances electron transport with its conductive network, while nickel-iron oxides enable rapid charge storage via a pseudocapacitive mechanism. Grain boundaries play a key role in efficient energy storage.
High capacity anodes for next-generation lithium-ion batteries
Researchers used polystyrene (PS) bead templates to create the composite in a layer-by-layer self-assembly process. After coating the beads with graphene oxide (GO) and NiFe-LDH precursors, the templates were removed to form a hollow spherical structure.
Image credit: Jae-Min Oh, Dongguk University
Controlled heat treatment transformed NiFe-LDH into nanocrystalline nickel-iron oxide (NiFe₂O₄) and amorphous nickel oxide (a-NiO) while reducing GO to rGO. The hollow design prevents direct contact between nanoparticles and the electrolyte, ensuring improved stability and making this composite ideal for lithium-ion battery anodes.
Researchers used advanced techniques like X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy to verify the composite’s structure. Electrochemical tests showed exceptional performance, with the anode achieving a high capacity of 1687.6 mA h g−1 after 580 cycles at 100 mA g−1. It also maintained strong performance at higher charge/discharge rates, demonstrating excellent stability and efficiency.
Professor Jae-Min Oh added, “We anticipate that, shortly, energy storage materials will move beyond simply improving individual components. Instead, they will involve multiple interacting materials that create synergy, resulting in more efficient and reliable energy storage devices. This research offers a pathway to smaller, lighter, and more efficient energy storage for next-generation electronic devices.”
Journal Reference:
- Minseop Lee, Jing Xie et al. Phase change-induced heterointerface engineering of hollow sphere structured graphene oxide/layered double hydroxide composites for superior pseudocapacitive energy storage in lithium-ion batteries. Chemical Engineering Journal. DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2025.159671
Source: Tech Explorist
