Exploring inexpensive electrodes for safer and evolved dual-ion batteries using modified electrolytes for enhanced energy density

Abstract

The current era of energy-storage systems has been inspired by lithium dual-ion batteries (Li-DIBs) owing to their advantages, including low cost, safer features, faster charging ability, and high energy density. Herein, we employed a rust-derived rhombohedral hematite nanosphere (Fe2O3-NS) anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) synthesized using simple high-energy ball milling at different milling times (12, 24, and 36 h), followed by an annealing process. Specifically, the Fe2O3-NS-24 h electrode exhibited a superior electrochemical performance for LIBs owing to its large surface area and mesoporous nature, which are responsible for fast kinetics with a 4.41 x 10(-10) cm(2) s(-1) diffusion coefficient. Li-DIBs were successfully designed with Fe2O3-NS-24 h as the anode, LiPF6 (1.0 M) in 1:1 (V/V) ethylene carbonate: di-ethylene carbonate with 0.013 M LiNO3 additive as the electrolyte, and expanded graphite as the cathode [referred to as Fe2O3-EG Li-DIB@LN]. Its performance was compared with those of Li-DIBs without additives. This investigation proves that LiNO3 additives deliver numerous advantages, including inexpensive high-voltage batteries, enhanced energy density, and Coulombic efficiency (CE). This could be owing to the creation of a smooth, flat, and intact solid electrolyte interface film on the electrode interface, improved cyclability and capacity, and safer fast-charging for Li-DIBs. Fe2O3-EG Li-DIB@LN exhibited a specific capacity of 69.1 mAh g(-1) after the 50th cycle at a 0.1 A g(-1) rate and had a modest specific energy density of similar to 238.3 Wh kg(-1) with stable CE. These findings highlight a new route for employing LiNO3 additives to intensify the energy density, CE, and overall performance of Li-DIBs.