Nanostructural Uniformity of Ordered Mesoporous Materials: Governing Lithium Storage Behaviors

Abstract

Nanostructured materials make a considerable impact on the performance of lithium-storage characteristics in terms of the energy density, power density, and cycle life. Direct experimental observation, by a comparison of controlled nanostructural uniformity of electrode materials, reveals that the lithium-storage behaviors of mesoporous MoO2 and CuO electrodes are linearly correlated with their nanostructural uniformity. Reversible capacities of mesoporous MoO2 and CuO electrodes with well-developed nanostructures (1569 mA h g−1 for MoO2 and 1029 mA h g−1 for CuO) exceed their theoretical capacity based on the conversion reaction (838 mA h g−1 for MoO2 and 674 mA h g−1 for CuO). Given that exact understanding of the origin of the additional capacity is essential in maximizing the energy density of electrode material, this work may help to gain some insights into the development of high energy-density lithium-storage materials for next-generation lithium rechargeable batteries.