Scalable synthesis of VN quantum dots encapsulated in ultralarge pillared N-doped mesoporous carbon microsheets for superior potassium storage

Haoyang Wu, Qiyao Yu, Cheng Yen Lao, Mingli Qin*, Wei (Alex) Wang, Zhiwei Liu, Cheng Man, Leying Wang, Baorui Jia, Xuanhui Qu

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

80 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Potassium-ion batteries (KIBs) are promising alternatives to lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to the advantages of low-cost and abundant natural resource. To date, the researches on KIBs are still in their early stage and only a few materials have been explored. Herein, we design VN quantum dots encapsulated in ultralarge pillared N-doped mesoporous carbon microsheets (VN-QDs/CM) via a large-scale and ultrafast (within two minutes) solution combustion synthesis method and a subsequent ammonia reduction process. The VN quantum dots with high mass loading and dispersity on conductive carbon microsheets could reduce the K-intercalation stress in particle dimensions and mitigate the volume expansion. In addition, the ultralarge pillared N-doped mesoporous carbon microsheets not only facilitate the transfer of electrons and K ions and but also prevent the active materials from breaking away from the electrode during cycling. As an advanced anode material for KIBs, a high reversible capacity and a superior cycling stability (228 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 after 100 cycles, 215 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 after 500 cycles) are obtained, among the best anodes reported. More importantly, the effective strategy can be potentially used for mass production of quantum dots encapsulated in ultralarge carbon microsheets for energy storage.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)43-50
Number of pages8
JournalEnergy Storage Materials
Volume18
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Pillared structure
  • Potassium-ion battery
  • Quantum dots
  • Ultralarge microsheets
  • Vanadium nitride

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