3D Cube-Maze-Like Li-Rich Layered Cathodes Assembled from 2D Porous Nanosheets for Enhanced Cycle Stability and Rate Capability of Lithium-Ion Batteries

Li-rich oxide is a promising candidate for the cathodes of next-generation lithium-ion batteries. However, its utilization is restricted by cycling instability and inferior rate capability. To tackle these issues, three-dimensional (3D), hierarchical, cube-maze-like Li-rich cathodes assembled from two-dimensional (2D), thin nanosheets with exposed {010} active planes, are developed by a facile hydrothermal approach. Benefiting from their unique architecture, 3D cube-maze-like cathodes demonstrate a superior reversible capacity (285.3 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 C, 133.4 mAh g⁻¹ at 20.0 C) and a great cycle stability (capacity retention of 87.4% after 400 cycles at 2.0 C, 85.2% after 600 cycles and 75.0% after 1200 cycles at 20.0 C). When this material is matched with a graphite anode, the full cell achieves a remarkable discharge capacity (275.2 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 C) and stable cycling behavior (capacity retention of 88.7% after 100 cycles at 5.0 C, capacity retention of 84.8% after 100 cycles at 20.0 C). The present work proposes an accessible way to construct 3D hierarchical architecture assembled from 2D nanosheets with exposed high-energy active {010} planes and verifies its validity for advanced Li-rich cathodes.