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[Display omitted] • High performance MnO@C nanocomposite anode was prepared by a facile route. • The MnO@C anode exhibited high capacity and long cycling stability. • The structure–property correlations of the MnO@C had been studied systematically. • This work offered a constructive reference for improving other metal oxide anodes. High performance and easy preparation are equally important for the development of MnO anode. Herein, a facile preparation route is proposed to successfully prepare a high-performance MnO@C composite anode. The MnO@C comprises of nanosized MnO embedded within a porous carbon matrix. The findings determined by systematic study demonstrate that the porous carbon matrix not only improves structure stability but also enhances electrochemical kinetics of the nanosized MnO, ultimately resulting in outstanding electrochemical performance of the MnO@C anode for lithium-ion batteries, with 943.6 and 411.5 mAh/g after 270 and 500 cycles at 200 and 1000 mA g−1, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both thin two-dimensional (2D) and hollow nanostructural materials are of great potential for high-performance anodes of lithium-ion batteries owing to their unique structural properties and surface characteristics. In this context, tin dioxide (SnO 2) materials possessing well-designed thin 2D or hollow nanostructures have attracted immense attention and been considered as promising candidates to serve as anodes for advanced lithium-ion batteries. It is believed that thin 2D hollow nanostructures of SnO 2 materials will have the advantages of both thin 2D and hollow nanostructures but they are difficult to be prepared due to the increased complexity of structures. Herein, a peculiar thin 2D hollow nanostructure of SnO 2 /carbon (SnO 2 /C) composite, composed of carbon in-situ coating thin SnO 2 hollow nanosheets, has been prepared through a well-designed strategy. It is thus clear that this composite possesses the advantages of both thin 2D and hollow nanostructures as an anode for lithium-ion batteries. Expectedly, it is demonstrated that thus peculiar architecture offers the as-prepared SnO 2 /C composite superior electrochemical kinetics and outstanding structural stability. As a result, the as-prepared SnO 2 /C composite exhibits outstanding electrochemical lithium storage performance, delivering 707.8 and 483.2 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 200 and 1000 mA g−1, respectively, as well as superior rate capabilities. A peculiar thin 2D hollow nanostructure of SnO 2 /C composite has been prepared and exhibited outstanding lithium storage performance owing to the characteristic combined effect of thin SnO 2 hollow nanosheets and carbon coating. Unlabelled Image • A thin 2D hollow nanostructure of SnO 2 /C composite had been skillfully prepared. • The unique architecture provided this SnO 2 /C with superior physicochemical properties. • This SnO 2 /C exhibited outstanding lithium storage performance. • This work opened up a route to facile preparation of complex 2D hollow SnO 2 /C composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Engineering and preparation of nanostructured ferroferric oxide/carbon composites (Fe 3 O 4 /C) have been extensively considered as enabling Fe 3 O 4 -based anode materials for improvement in lithium storage performance. However, the general synthesis strategies for nanostructured Fe 3 O 4 /C composites are involved in hydrothermal treatment and application of various raw materials containing reagents and solvents, which are not conducive to environmental protection and energy conservation. Herein, a characteristic Fe 3 O 4 /C anode material with a superior electrochemical performance has been constructed by a extremely simple and relatively green route. It consists of smaller secondary nanoparticles and conformal carbon coating, and are full of pores. Consequently, the as-constructed Fe 3 O 4 /C shows an outstanding cycling stability as well as high specific capacities, releasing 896.4 mAh g−1 after 300 cycles at 200 mA g−1 as well as 455.3 mAh g−1 after even 500 cycles at 1000 mA g−1. Thus, the as-constructed Fe 3 O 4 /C may be a prospective candidate for high performance anode materials of lithium-ion batteries. Graphical abstract A high performance of Fe 3 O 4 /C composite anode material has been successfully prepared by an extremely facile and relatively green strategy, and exhibits superior lithium storage performance. Image 1 Highlights • A high-performance Fe 3 O 4 /C anode had been prepared by a relatively green and facile way. • The as-prepared Fe 3 O 4 /C anode exhibited outstanding lithium storage performance. • The as-prepared Fe 3 O 4 /C anode delivered a high capacity of 896.4 mAh g−1 after even 300 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, by combining the advantages of SnO 2 , TiO 2 and carbon elaborately, we present a stable nanostructure of SnO 2 -based composite. As a promising anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), it delivers a high capacity of 642.5 mAh g −1 after even 450 cycles, exhibiting outstanding lithium storage performance. This work provides a facile and effective method for addressing the undesirable volume variation issue of SnO 2 anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using stable TiO 2 and flexible carbon as double-functional structure protector of nanostructural SnO 2 to fabricate TiO 2 /SnO 2 /C composites is widely considered as a favorable strategy for improving the lithium storage performance of SnO 2 anodes. But, it is still a challenge to obtain a satisfying TiO 2 /SnO 2 /C composite. Herein, an interesting porous nanostructure of TiO 2 /SnO 2 /C nanosphere composite assembled by TiO 2 and SnO 2 nanocrystals with an outer carbon coating has been fabricated by a well-designed approach. Thanks to the perfectly combined action of porous spherical nanostructure, TiO 2 and SnO 2 nanocrystals and carbon coating, the as-prepared composite obtains excellent structure stability and improved electrochemcial properties. When used as a promising anode for lithium-ion batteres, it exhibits outstanding lithium storage performance, delivering a high capacity of 687.2 mAh g −1 after even 400 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preparation of nanometer-sized SnO 2 @C composites has been identified as an effective strategy for alleviating the huge volume expansion issue of the SnO 2 anodes. Due to the low tap density, however, SnO 2 @C anodes with nanometer-sizes are unfavorable to be practically applied in lithium-ion batteries. Therefore, the micrometer-sized bulk SnO 2 @C with a comparable performance could be a more promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries with high energy and power densities than that of its nanometer-sized counterparts, because the micrometer-sized SnO 2 @C would have much higher tap density as compared to its nanometer-sized counterparts. But, there are few work about micrometer-sized SnO 2 @C with satisfying performance are reported so far. Herein, a micrometer-sized SnO 2 @C composite, composed of ultrafine SnO 2 /Sn (SnO x ) nanoparticles embedding into bulk carbon matrix, has been prepared by a facile one-pot hydrothermal approach. More importantly, it exhibits outstanding lithium storage performance which can be comparable with and even better than that of state-of-the-art nanometer-sized counterparts, delivering high capacities of 885.8 and 637.2 mAh g −1 at 200 and 1000 mA g −1 after 360 and even 1000 cycles, respectively. It is demonstrated that thus performance is mainly due to the perfect synergistic effect of components and architecture. This work may also open up a broader vision into developing high performance SnO 2 -based anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elaborate fabrication of state-of-the-art nanostructure SnO 2 @C-based composites greatly contributes to alleviate the huge volume expansion issue of the SnO 2 anodes. But the preparation processes of most of them are complicated and tedious, which is generally adverse to the development of SnO 2 @C-based composite anodes. Herein, a unique nanostructure of TiO 2 @SnO 2 @C hollow nanobelts (TiO 2 @SnO 2 @C HNBs), including the characteristics of one-dimensional architecture, sandwich protection, hollow structure, carbon coating, and a mechanically robust TiO 2 support, has been fabricated by a facile approach for the first time. As anodes for lithium-ion batteries, the as-fabricated TiO 2 @SnO 2 @C HNBs exhibit an outstanding lithium storage performance, delivering capacity of 804.6 and 384. 5 mAh g −1 at 200 and even 1000 mA g −1 after 500 cycles, respectively. It is demonstrated that thus outstanding performance is mainly attributed to the unique nanostructure of TiO 2 @SnO 2 @C HNBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a novel hetero-nanostructure of SnO 2 @TiO 2 @C has been fabricated by an elaborate approach. In the SnO 2 @TiO 2 @C, porous SnO 2 quasi-nanocubes are double protected by ultrafine TiO 2 nanorods and carbon coating. As anodes for lithium-ion batteries, the as-prepared SnO 2 @TiO 2 @C exhibit improved lithium storage and rate performance. It is demonstrated that the novel hetero-nanostructure should be responsible for thus improved performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spinel Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 (LTO) has attracted extensive attention as potential anode materials for power lithium-ion batteries due to its outstanding structural stability and remarkable safety. However, it's practical application yet be limited by such disadvantages of dissatisfied specific capacity, poor electron conductivity and low lithium-ion diffusion coefficient. Thus, design and preparation of LTO anodes with desirable performance is still a challenge. Herein, we have successfully and greatly improved the performance of LTO anodes, in terms of rate capability, life and specific capacity in particular via dot-to-face anatase TiO 2 in-situ decoration and hierarchical structure construction under a facile approach (directly using the tetrabutyl titanate as titanium source instead of specially prepared titanium oxide precursors). The as-prepared LTO-based anode (denoted as T-LTO) delivers an ultra-high reversible specific capacity of 196.5 mAh g −1 after 300 cycles at 20 mA g −1 , and superior rate performance and even ultra-long life of more than 145.8 mAh g −1 at 28.5C between 1.0 and 3.0 V. The achieved outstanding electrochemical performance largely surpasses that of reportedly state-of-the-art LTO-based anode materials. This work may open up a broader vision into developing advanced LTO-based anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research priorities about tin dioxide-based anodes mainly focus on improvement of structure stability and rate performance due to the intrinsic issues of huge volume change and poor conductivity of tin dioxide materials. Herein, it is demonstrated that a one-dimensional quasi-hollow nanostructure of tin dioxide@carbon (SnO 2 @C) composite with improved electrochemical performance can be prepared by an elaborately simplified approach. It is worthy of noting that a proposed hydrothermal treatment plays an indispensable role in formation of this SnO 2 @C composite. As a promising anode for lithium-ion batteries, this as-prepared versatile nanostructure of SnO 2 @C composite combining advantages of one-dimension, hollow-confine and carbon coating able to exhibit high capacities of 749.3 and 549.8 mAh g −1 after 100 cycles respectively at 200 and even 1000 mA g −1 , as well as superior rate properties. The well-designed versatile nanostructure should be responsible for thus outstanding performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main issues spinel lithium titanate (Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 ) anodes suffered from are poor electrical conductivity and low theoretical capacity, which impede the practical application of Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 anodes in power lithium-ion batteries. Herein, the improvement in rate capability and specific capacity of Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 anodes has been achieved by facile two-phase formation and nanostructure engineering strategy. When evaluated as anode material for lithium-ion batteries, the as-prepared TiO 2 in-situ decorated Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 nanobelts exhibit impressive performance, delivering a high reversible specific capacity of 185.1 and 161.2 mAh g −1 at 20 and 200 mA g −1 after 250 and 2000 cycles, respectively. More importantly, a capacity of 135.6 mAh g −1 could be retained at a high rate of 2000 mA g −1 even after 5000 cycles, showing excellent rate property and cycle life. Thus excellent performance may make them a promising anode material for advanced lithium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a unique hierarchical structure of interconnected microspheres constructed by regular lithium titanate (Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 ) nanosheets has been prepared via a facile and smart approach. When evaluated as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), the as-prepared Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 shows outstanding lithium storage performance, delivering a high reversible specific capacity of 161.9 and 141.1 mAh g −1 after 300 and 1200 cycles at 20 and 200 mA g −1 , respectively. This work may open up a broader vision into developing advanced Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 anode materials for LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current research priorities about spinel lithium titanate (Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 ) mainly focus on the improvement of specific capacity and rate capacity due to the intrinsic issues of Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 , such as low specific capacity and poor electrical conductivity, which limit the practical application of Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 anodes in lithium-ion batteries. Herein, it is demonstrated that the Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 with improved performance can be obtained by proper hierarchical structure construction and TiO 2 in-situ decoration. In consequence, it delivers a high reversible specific capacity of 162.5 and 148.6 mAh g −1 at 50 and 200 mA g −1 after 900 and 2400 cycles, respectively. In addition, a capacity of 110.8 mAh g −1 could be retained at a high rate of 20C even after 5000 cycles, exhibiting improved rate property and ultra-long life. This work may pave the way to facilely prepare advanced Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 -based anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tin dioxide (SnO 2 )-based materials have been considered to be promisingly alternative advanced anode materials for lithium-ion batteries and thus attracted wide attention. So far, the research focus of SnO 2 -based anode materials is to search and develop effective strategies for overcoming the obstacles, such as rapid capacity fading and poor rate capability, which seriously impede the practical application of SnO 2 -based electrodes. Herein, we have successfully combined nanoscale SnO 2 with 3-dimensional carbon (C) conductivity framework to form a 3-dimensional unparalleled SnO 2 /C composite constructed by closely interconnected hollow nanospheres with quasi-sandwich structures. When evaluated as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, the as-prepared SnO 2 /C composite exhibits improved cycling performance and high rate capability, delivering a high capacity of 576.6 mAh g −1 at 200 mA g −1 even after 500 cycles, and a capacity of 411.7 mAh g −1 even at 5 A g −1 during rate test. The unparalleled 3-dimensional architecture should be responsible for the good electrochemical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tin dioxide/carbon composites is an important class of promising candidates for anode materials with superior electrochemical performance and thus have attracted extensive attention. Herein, a tube-in-tube nanostructure, denoted as CNT@void@SnO 2 @C, has been fabricated by a facile and novel strategy. The possible formation mechanism is also discussed and determined by TEM, XRD and XPS characterizations. As a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries, the CNT@void@SnO 2 @C exhibits superior lithium storage properties, delivering a reversible capacity of 702.5 mAh g −1 at 200 mA g −1 even after 350 cycles. The excellent performances should be benefited from the peculiar tube-in-tube nanostructure, in which SnO 2 located between CNT and outermost carbon coating layers can sure the structural integrity and high conductivity during long-term cycling, and one-dimensional void space formed between the inner CNT and outer SnO 2 @C nanotubes, in particular, can provide larger free space for alleviating the huge volume variation of SnO 2 and accommodating the stress formed during repeated discharge/charge process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesoporous titanium dioxide/tin dioxide/carbon (TiO 2 /SnO 2 /C) hollow microspheres are fabricated by a facile strategy. In this composite, SnO 2 is sandwiched between TiO 2 hollow microsphere and carbon coating layer. This intriguing nanostructure effectively buffers volume change and structural stress, and facilitates electron and ion transport throughout the electrode, thus contributing to excellent cycling stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this work, a new nanostructure of SnO2 nanoparticles (NPs) encapsulated into hollow TiO2 nanowires (SnO2@TiO2) has been successfully fabricated. This unique architecture intrinsically possess void space in between the TiO2 shell and SnO2 nanoparticle cores, as confirmed by XRD, XPS, SEM, TEM and HRTEM characterizations. The TiO2 shell of the composite can not only alleviate the pulverization and drastic volume change of the SnO2 NPs and maintain the structural integrity, but also contribute to the total capacity of the composite. Moreover, the void space can also accommodate the volume expansion of SnO2 and provide highly efficient channels for the fast transport of both electrons and lithium ion during discharge/charge cycling process. When tested as potential anode materials for lithium ion batteries, the as-prepared hollow TiO2 nanowires shell encapsulating SnO2 NPs architecture exhibits good lithium storage performance and excellent cyclability (which delivers a higher reversible capacity of 445 mAh g−1 at 800 mA g−1 after 500 cycles). The unique architecture should be responsible for the superior electrochemical performance. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• Novel porous SnO 2 @C micro/nanospheres were prepared for the first time. • The as-prepared SnO 2 @C had superior structural stability and electrochemical kinetics. • The as-prepared SnO 2 @C anode exhibited high capacity and superior rate performance. • It displayed 955 and 836 mAh g−1 at 200 and 1000 mA g−1 after 250 and 350 cycles, respectively. With high theoretical specific capacity and relatively safe working potential, SnO 2 has drawn widespread attention as a promising candidate of advanced anode for next generation lithium-ion batteries. However, the practical application of SnO 2 anode in lithium-ion batteries is severely blocked by some shortcomings such as the inferior rate capability, fast capacity decay and low initial coulombic efficiency during charge/discharge process. Gratifyingly, there are many works which have demonstrated that the SnO 2 anode achieves extra improvement in lithium storage performance after being reduced to nanoscale and embedded into porous carbon matrixes. Herein, porous SnO 2 @C micro-/nanospheres with a sandwiched buffer zone resulted from unevenly radial distribution of pores in carbon micro-/nanospheres are prepared for the first time. These SnO 2 @C micro-/nanospheres consist of small SnO 2 nanoparticles embedded within porous carbon micro-/nanospheres with a sandwiched buffer zone. The results of this study indicate that the sandwiched buffer zone of carbon micro-/nanospheres and the confinement effect of nanopores on small SnO 2 nanoparticles synergistically contribute to outstanding structural stability and excellent electrochemical performance of thus porous SnO 2 @C micro-/nanospheres. Besides, it is found that the lithium storage performance of the SnO 2 @C micro-/nanospheres can be tuned by adjusting the SnO 2 contents. As a result, the as-prepared SnO 2 @C micro-/nanospheres with an optimalizing SnO 2 content exhibit the best performance, delivering a high capacity of 955 mAh g−1 at 200 mA g−1 after 250 cycles as well as a high capacity of 836 mAh g−1 at even 1000 mA g−1 after 350 cycles. The SnO 2 nanoparticles are embedded within porous carbon micro/nanospheres with uneven diametrical porosity distribution by a well-designed strategy and exhibit excellent performance in terms of high capacity, long lifetime and superior rate capability. Image, graphical abstract [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Nanosheets assembled hierarchical TiO 2 had been used to support SnO 2 /C anode for the first time. • The as-prepared TiO 2 /SnO 2 /C had superior structural stability and electrochemical kinetics. • The as-prepared TiO 2 /SnO 2 /C anode exhibited high capacity and long lifetime. • This work offered a novel method for obtaining nanosheets assembled hierarchical TiO 2 support. Herein, to make full use of the synergetic effect of the TiO 2 , SnO 2 and carbon (C) so as to obtain a improved performance TiO 2 /SnO 2 /C composite anode for lithium-ion batteries, a hierarchical carbon-riveted 2D@0D TiO 2 nanosheets@SnO 2 nanoparticles composite was proposed and prepared for the first time via an originally morphology-maintained phase transformation strategy, and demonstrated by a series of rational characterization techniques. As expected, the consequential synergistic effect of the external carbon riveting and the internal robust interaction between 2D TiO 2 and 0D SnO 2 components endowed the ternary TiO 2 /SnO 2 /C composite with superior structural stability and good electrochemical kinetics, and hence this composite exhibited improved lithium storage performance, delivering high capacities of 758 and 474 mAh g−1 at 200 and even 1000 mA g−1 after 390 and 650 cycles, respectively. Therefore, the findings of this study will be helpful in gaining an insight into the design and fabrication of ternary TiO 2 /SnO 2 /C composites for developing advanced TiO 2 supporting metal oxide-based anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Ag nanoflakes are used to control Zn anode texture via a facile drop-casting method. • The nanoflake morphology allows for horizontal arrangement of Ag at Zn foil surface. • Horizontal Zn deposition is ensured with considerably inhibited parasitic reaction. • Zn metal corrosion can be suppressed and electrochemical kinetics can be enhanced. • The performance of Zn//Zn cell and Zn//MnO 2 battery is significantly improved. The escalating popularity of aqueous zinc-ion batteries has prompted substantial research efforts directed at mitigating zinc dendrites and parasitic reactions. Modifying Zn foil electrodes with Ag metal/alloy has emerged as an efficacious strategy owing to the exceptional zincophilicity and remarkable electrical conductivity of Ag. Nevertheless, previous studies predominantly rely on either 3D architectures or Ag nanowires/particles. The former approach may increase costs and compromise energy density, while the latter inadequately guides planar zinc deposition. In this work, Ag nanoflakes synthesized by a solution method are employed to control Zn anode texture through a facile drop-casting technique. The nanoflake morphology facilitates the horizontal arrangement of Ag modification layer, thereby readily promoting horizontal zinc deposition. It is also found that the Ag nanoflakes can improve electrolyte wettability, augment anti-corrosion ability, homogenize electric field, diminish nucleation overpotential, reduce desolvation activation energy, impede two-dimensional Zn2+ ion diffusion, reduce exchange current density, lower electrochemical impedances, and result in the formation of AgZn 3 alloy. Correspondingly, the zinc stripping/plating reversibility is significantly improved, accompanied by considerably inhibited parasitic reaction, contributing to the realization of deep cycling for both Zn//Zn cell and Zn//MnO 2 battery. This study unveils a viable morphology-tailored methodology to achieve dendrite-free characteristic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With merits such as ease of preparation and adjustable morphology, SiO 2 is commonly used as a sacrifice template to prepare hollow SnO 2 -based composite anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. However, the following removal of SiO 2 template often involves the use of highly corrosive solvents such as hydrofluoric acid and strong base solution, which is detrimental to the health of the experimenters, and the environment, thus needs to be avoided. Herein, a double-shelled hollow SiO 2 @SnO 2 @C composite has been synthesized by using prefabricated hollow SiO 2 spheres as template but not be removed, thereby avoiding the use of strong corrosive solvents. Moreover, the as-prepared SiO 2 @SnO 2 @C composite demonstrates outstanding electrochemical lithium storage performances when examined as a lithium-ion battery anode material (high reversible capacities of 923 and 538 mAh g−1 are remained after 340 and even 1000 cycles at 200 and 1000 mA g−1 respectively), and even better than those of reported state-of-the-art SnO 2 /C composites. Thus, it is suggested that this work may offer a new viewpoint to the preparation of advanced SnO 2 -based anodes with adjustable structures by facile etching-free SiO 2 template assisted approaches. This concept mentioned here may also be extended to preparation of other hybrid anode materials capable of withstanding drastic volume variation. Image 1 • A SiO 2 @SnO 2 @C composite had been synthesized by an etching-free template approach. • This work offered a new viewpoint to the common synthesis of hollow structures. • The SiO 2 @SnO 2 @C with a peculiar structure had superior physicochemical properties. • The SiO 2 @SnO 2 @C presented superior electrochemical performances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the case of SnO2‐based lithium‐ion battery anodes, the double‐shelled hollow nanostructures are expected to possess better performances than their single‐shelled counterparts, but the fabrication of double‐shelled hollow nanostructures is more difficult than those with single shell because of the increased complexity of structures. Herein, a complex quasi‐SnO2@C tube‐in‐SnO2@C tube nanocomposite (SnO2@C DHNWs) is successfully fabricated by a well‐designed facile strategy. The possible formation mechanism of SnO2@C DHNWs is also speculated. More importantly, the as‐prepared SnO2@C DHNWs show outstanding electrochemical performance as a lithium‐ion battery anode, that is, 774.5 and 462.5 mAh g−1 are retained at 200 and 1000 mA g−1 after 450 and even 1000 cycles, respectively, demonstrating high capacity, long lifespan, and good rate performances. Thus, excellent performance makes SnO2@C DHNWs a promising anode material for advanced lithium‐ion batteries. Moreover, it is worth noting that this work may open up a new route to prepare complex nanostructures of SnO2@C composites with various morphologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featuring of high theoretical capacity, non-toxic, low-cost, and environmental benignity, metal silicates attract great attention as viable alternative anodes of lithium-ion battery. But, they show serious electrochemical irreversibility during cycle due to large volume variation and low conductivity. Herein, a novel and facile method is developed to synthesize a quasi-2 dimensional (2D) amorphous MnSiO 3 /C composite (A-MnSiO 3 @C), consisting of ultra-thin conformal carbon coated amorphous MnSiO 3 quasi-nanosheets. Therefore, the A-MnSiO 3 @C innovatively integrates the structural characteristics of amorphous structure, 2D nanostructure and ultra-thin conformal carbon coating through a simple process. The structure-property correlations of the A-MnSiO 3 @C during lithium storage have been expounded systematically. The findings indicate that these structural characteristics offer A-MnSiO 3 @C enhanced electrical conductivity, improved Li+ transport kinetics, high capacitive contribution and good structural stability during cycle, and hence alleviate the issues MnSiO 3 suffered from. As a result, the A-MnSiO 3 @C demonstrates outstanding lithium storage properties such as high capacity, good rate capability and long cycle durability, with 511.2 and 416.5 mAh g−1 after 400 and 600 cycles at 200 and 1000 mA g−1, respectively. Finally, this work offers a constructive reference for improving electrochemical performance of the other promising metal silicate anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 nanowires intertangled with CNTs were studied as a conductive additive-free anode. • This Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 -based anode exhibited high capacity and ultra-long cycle life. • This work offered a guiding significance for developing advanced conductive carbon-free anodes. Herein, a novel Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 @carbon nanotubes (CNT) composite, composed of Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 nanowires intertwined with CNT (4 wt%), is synthesized by a simple method and studied as conductive additive-free anodes of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Results indicate that the Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 @CNT shows impressive electrochemical performances, such as high initial coulombic efficiency (ICE, ～94%), acceptable capacity (147.6 mAh g−1) and ultra-long life (3000 cycles). The facile preparation process and the impressive electrochemical performance make Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 @CNT anode promising in LIB application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Ultrathin MnO 2 @C nanosheets were synthesized by a novel dual-function TEOS assisted strategy. • This work contributed enlightenment to prepare ultrathin metal oxide/carbon nanosheets. • Ultrathin nanostructure was beneficial for electrochemical performance. • The as-prepared MnO 2 @C nanosheets exhibited outstanding performance in lithium storage. • 747.6 and 542.6 mA h g−1 were obtained after 400 and 420 cycles at 200 and 1000 mA g−1, respectively. Engineering ultrathin porous two-dimensional (2D) MnO 2 /C composites is regarded as an efficient way to achieve high performance of MnO 2 anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) because of existence of many features such as shortened ion diffusion pathways and larger surface-controlled capacitance contribution, but they are difficult to prepare because of complex structures. Herein, we contribute a facile strategy for preparing ultrathin porous MnO 2 /C nanosheets and confirm that the introduced tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) raw material plays a key role in formation of thus MnO 2 /C nanosheets. The as-prepared MnO 2 /C composite consists of ultrathin porous conformal carbon coated MnO 2 nanosheets whereby integrates the advantages of 2D nanostructure, porous structure and superficial conformal carbon coating so as to improve lithium storage. As a result, this composite exhibits impressive performance, showing high capacity, long cycle life and improved rate capability, with 747.6 mA h g−1 after 400 cycles at 200 mA g−1 and 542.6 mA h g−1 after 420 cycles even at 1000 mA g−1. Based on systematic material and electrochemical characterizations we confirm that the outstanding performance of the as-prepared MnO 2 /C composite benefits from its well-designed nanostructure. Besides, we believe that this work can enlighten researchers to synthesize other 2D metal oxide/carbon composites for energy storage or other applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zn 2 SiO 4 with high natural abundance and low cost has attracted a lot of attention in lithium-ion battery (LIB) anode realm, but its electrochemical performances are poor (such as short cyclic life and fast capacity decay). Herein, the electrochemical performances of Zn 2 SiO 4 are significantly improved through a novel and simple strategy, including morphological engineering and especially the in-situ introduction of an endogenous Zn 4 Si 2 O 7 (OH) 2 by simply regulating the carbonization temperature. The findings show that the conformal carbon-coated ultrathin Zn 2 SiO 4 /Zn 4 Si 2 O 7 (OH) 2 hybrid nanosheets assembled hierarchical micro-/nanospheres (ZSO/ZSOH@C) are endowed with stable structure, enhanced conductivity, improved Li+ diffusion kinetics and a LiF-rich stable SEI layer during charge/discharge process. Therefore, the ZSO/ZSOH@C anode manifests superior electrochemical performance, with 475.5 and 372.1 mAh g−1 at 200 and 2000 mA g−1 after 350 and 400 cycles, respectively. The structure-property correlations of ZSO/ZSOH@C anode are systematically studied and demonstrate that the characteristically hierarchical structure and the synergistic effects between Zn 2 SiO 4 and Zn 4 Si 2 O 7 (OH) 2 are responsible for the superior electrochemical performances of the ZSO/ZSOH@C anode. Finally, this work may inspire ideas for the preparation of high-performance Zn 2 SiO 4 or other silicates for LIB anodes. [Display omitted] • Electrochemical properties of Zn 2 SiO 4 were improved by a novel but simple strategy. • This strategy endowed Zn 2 SiO 4 with improved structure stability and a LiF-rich SEI film. • The as-prepared Zn 2 SiO 4 -based anode exhibited high capacity and long life. • This work inspired ideas for preparing high-performance Zn 2 SiO 4 or other silicates anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A simple way was demonstrated to prepare high-performance CoFe 2 O 4 -based composite anode. • The synergistic effects of Co x Fe y and carbon on performance of CoFe 2 O 4 anode were studied. • The CoFe 2 O 4 -based anode with an optimal hybrid structure had improved stability and kinetics. • High capacity and long lifespan were achieved for thus CoFe 2 O 4 -based composite. In order to achieve the application of emerging electrode materials in lithium-ion batteries, developing simple preparation process is as important as improving their performance. However, most of the emerging anode materials lack simple preparation methods in spite of high performance. Herein, we demonstrate a simple way to prepare high-performance CoFe 2 O 4 -based composite anodes for lithium-ion batteries. This composite (CoFe 2 O 4 /Co x Fe y @C) consists of porous clustered CoFe 2 O 4 /Co x Fe y hybrid nanoparticles coated by a thin carbon. The results indicate that the synergistic effects of the Co x Fe y nanoparticles, carbon coating and porous structure contribute to good electrochemical kinetics and superior cycling durability of the CoFe 2 O 4 /Co x Fe y @C composite. Consequently, it exhibits outstanding lithium storage performance, revealing 684.6 mA h g−1 at 200 mA g−1 after 250 cycles as well as 518.7 mA h g−1 at 1000 mA g−1 after 800 cycles. Moreover, the CoFe 2 O 4 /Co x Fe y @C composite has longer cyclic lifespan than the most of reported CoFe 2 O 4 /C composites besides the simple preparation process and adequate capacities, therefore showing significant advantages in application in lithium-ion battery anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The promising high-capacity anode material of Zn 2 SnO 4 suffers from large volume expansion and poor conductivity during cycle, and hence its practical application in lithium-ion batteries is blocked seriously. Herein, to achieve high capacity and improved cyclic stability of Zn 2 SnO 4 -based anode, we introduce a dual-stable engineering strategy that the Zn 2 SnO 4 is encapsulated within a porous carbon shell and a void structure is constructed between the inner Zn 2 SnO 4 and outer carbon shell simultaneously. The as-fabricated Zn 2 SnO 4 -based composite is therefore referred to as Zn 2 SnO 4 @V@PC. It is demonstrated that the combined action of the porous carbon and the void effectively suppresses the volume effect of the Zn 2 SnO 4 and enhances the electrochemical kinetics of the electrodes and hence the structural stability and electrochemical kinetics of the Zn 2 SnO 4 @V@PC are improved significantly. As a result, the Zn 2 SnO 4 @V@PC delivers 961.5 mA h g−1 after 350 cycles at 200 mA g−1 and 438.2 mA h g−1 after 600 cycles at 1000 mA g−1, thereby having potential application in advanced lithium-ion battery anodes. [Display omitted] • The cyclic stability of Zn 2 SnO 4 was significantly improved by a dual-stable engineering. • The combined action of the void structure and porous carbon was demonstrated. • The combined action offered the Zn 2 SnO 4 -based composite superior stability and good kinetics. • It delivered 961.5 mA h g−1 after 350 cycles at 0.2 A g−1 and 438.2 mA h g−1 after 600 cycles at 1 A g−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Co 3 O 4 , as a potential anode of lithium-ion batteries, has gained considerable attention because of high theoretical capacity. However, the Co 3 O 4 is suffering from serious structure deterioration and rapid capacity fading due to its bulky volume change during cyclic charge/discharge process. Herein, to stabilize the lithium storage performance of the Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles, a characteristic carbon scaffold (HPC) integrating hollow and porous structures has been fabricated by a well-designed method for the first time. The ultrafine Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles are cleverly anchored on the HPC (HPC@Co 3 O 4) and hence achieve significantly improved electrochemical properties including high capacity, improved reaction kinetics and outstanding cycle stability, showing high capacity of 1084.7 mAh g-1 after 200 cycles at 200 mA g-1 as well as 681.4 mAh g-1 after 300 cycles at 1000 mA g-1. The HPC@Co 3 O 4 therefore shows good promising for application in advanced lithium-ion battery anodes. The results of the systematically material and electrochemical characterizations indicate that the synergistic effects of ultrafine Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles and well-designed HPC scaffolds are responsible for the outstand performance of the HPC@Co 3 O 4 anode. Moreover, this work can enrich the understanding and development of stable and high-performance metal oxide-based lithium-ion battery anodes for advanced lithium storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing sustainable and simple preparation methods of Si/C composites for lithium-ion battery anodes that are capable of delivering high performance is essential, but remains a challenge. In this work, a sustainable and simple ball milling coupled with carbonization method is developed to construct an advanced Si@Co@C composite anode with a characteristic structure. The structure-property correlations of Si@Co@C in lithium storage are studied by density functional theory (DFT) calculations and ex-situ characterization techniques such as XPS, XRD and TEM. The findings show that CoO assisting, porous carbon coating and LiF-rich SEI layer together make Si@Co@C exhibit improved lithiation/delithiation kinetics and structure durability during cycle and hence outstanding electrochemical performance with 1248.5, 927.0 and 591.5 mAh g−1 at 100, 1000 and 3000 mA g−1 after 400 cycles, respectively. Impressive performance is also observed in the full battery test of Si@Co@C. Finally, this work offers meaningful reference for developing advanced Si/C anode through a facile method. [Display omitted] • A simple, practical ball milling-assisted method was developed to prepare an advanced Si/C anode. • The structure-property correlations of the Si/C in lithium storage were revealed detailedly. • A crystalline LiF-rich SEI layer was formed on this Si/C during cycle. • The well-designed architecture provided this Si/C excellent lithium storage performance.. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MoO 2 material has attracted extensive attention as a competitive candidate because of high theoretical capacity and low cost. However, the large volume change and low conductivity and ion diffusivity of the MoO 2 during lithium storage process bring about fast capacity decay and sluggish reaction kinetics, seriously impeding the practical application of MoO 2 in lithium-ion batteries. Herein, we demonstrate a relatively green and facile strategy to prepare MoO 2 /C composite to mitigate above issues. Combined multiple characterization results support that this composite is made up of MoO 2 nanoparticles with a 3D porous carbon embedment and hence exhibits upgraded structure stability and enhanced reaction kinetics as a lithium-ion battery anode. Consequently, thus MoO 2 /C composite shows superior performance, revealing 1050 and 707 mAh g−1 after 110 and 100 cycles at 200 and 1000 mA g−1, respectively. Moreover, this work could offer a new insight into aiming of green preparation of advanced MoO 2 /C-based anodes for lithium-ion batteries. This work demonstrates a facile and relatively green strategy to prepare high capacity MoO 2 /C composite anodes for lithium-ion batteries. [Display omitted] • 3D MoO 2 /C composite was fabricated via a green and facile NaCl template strategy. • Electrochemical performance of 3D MoO 2 /C composite was systematically studied. • This well-designed structure promoted the electrochemical properties of MoO 2 /C composite. • High capacity and good rate capability were demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the typical anatase TiO 2 /C nanocomposite electrodes have improved rate properties and capacities compared to pure anatase TiO 2 counterparts, their excess inactive carbon components, such as C and conductive additive (acetylene black), will be bad for the gravimetric energy densities and initial coulombic efficiencies of batteries. Obtaining improved gravimetric energy densities and initial coulombic efficiencies is vital to the development of TiO 2 -based lithium-ion battery anodes, but there are challenges. Herein, a novel TiO 2 -based composite (TiO 2 @CNT) consisting of anatase TiO 2 nanowires intertangled with CNT (3 wt%) has been fabricated and assessed as a conductive additive-free anode for lithium-ion batteries. Results demonstrate that thus TiO 2 @CNT shows impressive electrochemical properties, revealing 96% initial coulombic efficiency, 161 mA h g−1 at 1C after 260 cycles and 108 mA h g−1 at 10C after even 1400 cycles. Compared with the typical TiO 2 /C composite electrodes, thus TiO 2 @CNT electrode without conductive additive exhibits higher initial coulombic efficiency and will have an advantage in gravimetric energy density due to low content of inactive carbon. Therefore, this work could provide an insight into improvement of electrochemical properties of the TiO 2 -based anodes in terms of specific capacity, initial coulombic efficiency and gravimetric energy density. [Display omitted] • A TiO 2 -based composite composed of TiO 2 nanowires intertangled with CNT was fabricated. • This composite showed improved performance as a conductive additive-free anode. • Thus improved performance was demonstrated to be benefited from its well designed structure. • This composite had an advantage in gravimetric energy density due to low content of carbon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A flexible self-standing composite film anode is prepared by vacuum filtration. • The film anode can effectively inhibit zinc dendrites and parasitic side reactions. • The film anode contributes to significantly improved electrochemical performance. • A flexible integrated battery is constructed using a layer-by-layer method. • The integrated battery exhibits superior performance even under bending. With the booming development of wearable electronics, flexible zinc-based batteries are attracting significant attention due to their high safety, low cost, environmental benignity, and relatively large energy/power densities. However, in a conventional segregated configuration, the electrodes could be easily detached from the separator when the battery is subjected to bending strain, which would dramatically depress electrochemical performances. Moreover, severe zinc dendrite growth and parasitic side reactions at the anode are extremely detrimental to the durability and the reliability of zinc-based batteries. Herein, a flexible self-standing composite film anode consisting of zinc microspheres, carbon nanotubes, and nanocellulose is constructed to replace the conventional Zn foil. It is found that the use of this anode can effectively inhibit the dendrites and side reactions, thereby substantially improving the cyclability. In addition, a layer-by-layer vacuum filtration method is used to integrate the composite film anode with a cellulose separator and a MnO 2 -based composite film cathode into a single matrix. The unique integrated battery realizes great rate capability and cycling stability, and more importantly, superior affordability to bending deformations. Besides, the commonly used thick, heavy, and expensive current collectors are no longer required in the integrated configuration, therefore enabling the battery to be smarter and cheaper. This study not only opens a new option for building dendrite-free zinc anodes but also discloses a facile strategy to achieve integrated configuration for energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MnO attracts increasing attention as a lithium-ion battery anode material due to large theoretical capacity and relatively low cost, but its highly instable structure and low conductivity severely plague cycling stability. In addition to improved performance, easy preparation is also important for the development of MnO anode, and hence both of these aspects need attention. Toward this end, herein, a high-performance MnO-based anode material, composed of carbon coated porous nanoclusters assembled from smaller secondary Fe-doped MnO nanoparticles (denoted as Fe-MnO@C), has been prepared through a facile route. The findings demonstrate that the combination of Fe doping and carbon coating enables Fe-MnO@C to have higher structural stability and faster electrochemical kinetics than MnO and MnO@C counterparts. As a result, Fe-MnO@C anode shows outstanding lithium storage performances, maintaining 1038.4 and 512.3 mAh g−1 at 200 and 1000 mA g−1 after 320 and 400 cycles, respectively. Finally, this work not only offers a feasible method for improving MnO anode performance, but also gives a constructive reference for designing facile methods to prepare other advanced metal oxide-based anode materials. [Display omitted] • Dual modification strategies of Fe doping and carbon coating of MnO were achieved simultaneously. • This way offered MnO improved structural stability and electrochemical kinetics. • The as-prepared Fe-MnO@C anode exhibited long life and high capacity. • The findings gave a constructive reference for improving other metal oxide anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MnO is regarded as a promising alternative anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its large specific capacity. Nonetheless, low intrinsical conductivity and large volumetric change of the MnO anode cause fast capacity fading during cycle, and hence its practical use in LIBs is hindered. In spite of many effective solutions for above problems, most of them involve requirement of harmful chemicals or special equipments, are not conducive to development of MnO anode. Herein, a relatively green and facile method is demonstrated to prepare a two dimensional (2D) MnO/C composite (MnO NPs@C Ps), consisting of carbon-coated MnO nanoparticles anchored on 2D carbon plates. The results confirm outstanding electrochemical performances of the MnO NPs@C Ps anode in terms of high capacities and ultra-long lifespan, with 1046.8 mA h g−1 after 500 cycles at 200 mA g−1 as well as 463 mA h g−1 after even 1500 cycles at 1000 mA g−1. The combination of the materials and electrochemical characterizations demonstrates that the rational synergistic effects of nano-sized MnO particles and 2D carbon support contribute to thus outstanding electrochemical performances of the MnO NPs@C Ps anode. It is believed that this work may provide a meaningful insight into development of other advanced metal oxides/carbon composite anodes. [Display omitted] • High performance MnO/C anode was prepared by a relatively green and facile strategy. • Combination of nanostructure and 2D carbon support enhanced performance of the MnO anode. • This MnO-based anode exhibited high capacity and ultra-long cycling stability. • This work provided a useful guidance for facile preparation of other metal oxides-based anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cubic hollow SnO 2 @C composite with a built-in porous carbon support was elaborately fabricated. • The as-fabricated SnO 2 @C showed high capacity (788 mAh g−1) and long cycling life (900 cycles). • The effect of this well-designed architecture on the performance of the SnO 2 @C was studied. • The built-in porous carbon played a crucial role in improving the performance of the SnO 2 @C. Owing to the cooperative effect of well-defined interior voids and conductive and flexible carbon coating, the hollow nanostructural SnO 2 /C composites exhibit significantly improved electrochemical performance over their pure nanostructured SnO 2 counterparts, and hence attracts increasing research interests. However, the potential collapse of SnO 2 inwards interior voids and subsequent agglomeration will diminish the cycling stability of hollow SnO 2 /C composites and hence needs to be further improved. Herein, to reduce the excess void space and block agglomeration of the SnO 2 inwards interior voids, a cubic hollow SnO 2 /C composite with a built-in porous carbon support yolk has been designed and constructed successfully. As a result, thus as-constructed composite with a novel architecture displays significantly improved cycling stability as comparison to the similar hollow SnO 2 @C composite without a built-in porous carbon, delivering 788 and 588 mAh g−1 at 200 and 1000 mA g−1 after 550 and even 900 cycles, respectively. The results obtained here could pave the way for properly improving the cycling stability of other hollow metal oxides/carbon composites for advanced lithium-ion battery anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although tin dioxide (SnO 2) has high theoretical specific capacity and safer operating voltage over graphite anodes, the practical use of SnO 2 anode in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is still a challenge because of the problems of enormous volume variation and poor conductivity. In this study, to address above problems, SnO 2 nanoparticles have been anchored on a sponge-like carbon support assembled from hollow carbon nanospheres by an extra carbon coating through a well-designed approach. The abundance free space and smaller cavity sizes of the hollow carbon nanospheres not only buffer the volume variation of SnO 2 nanoparticles, but also boost ions and electrons transfer in electrodes as well as the electrolyte penetration. As a result, with the synergistic effect of hollow carbon nanospheres, ultrafine size of SnO 2 nanoparticles, and extra carbon coating, the as-constructed SnO 2 -based composite anode performs durable cycling performance with a high capacity of 1236 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 200 mA g−1, as well as good rate capacity with a high capacity of 796 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles even at 1000 mA g−1, displaying good promising for a advanced LIB anode material. The obtained result here can also shed some light on a broad range of active materials for LIB anode applications. The as-prepared HCNSs@SnO 2 @C exhibits high capacity and outstanding cycling stability with 1236 and 796 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 200 and even 1000 mA g−1, respectively, due to the well-designed carbon support assembled from hollow carbon nanospheres with smaller sizes. Unlabelled Image • A sponge-like carbon support assembled from hollow carbon nanospheres was fabricated. • The support with an assisted carbon coating offered SnO 2 superior electrochemical performance. • This as-prepared SnO 2 -based composite had high capacity and outstanding cycling stability. • Capacities of 1236 and 796 mAh g−1 were gained after 200 cycles at 0.2 and even 1 A g−1, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To improve the lithium storage performance of SnO 2 anode for lithium-ion batteries, a one-dimensional hollow nanostructured SnO 2 @C composite has been synthesized by a well-designed facile approach. The good conductive and flexible carbon component can not only enhance the conductivity of whole composite but also buffer the volume change of key SnO 2 component. With thin shells, meanwhile, the hollow structure can not only provide free space for accommodating the SnO 2 volume change, but also shorten the diffusion length for both lithiun-ions and electrons. As expectedly, the synergistic effect of carbon and hollow structure offers the as-prepared SnO 2 @C composite with good structural stability and electrochemical properties. Consequently, the as-prepared SnO 2 @C composite exhibits good cycling and superior rate performance as an anode for lithium-ion batteries, a high capacity of 797 mAh g−1 is obtained at 200 mA g−1 after 390 cycles as well as 972, 887, 836, 751, 668, and 606 mAh g−1 can be obtained at 100, 300, 500, 1000, 2000, and 3000 mA g−1, respectively. Thus good performance offers the as-prepared SnO 2 @C composite great promising for a high-performance anode for lithium-ion batteries. Unlabelled Image • The SnO 2 @C nanotubes were prepared by a well-designed method. • This composite had improved structural stability. • This composite anode exhibited superior electrochemical performance. • It delivered a high capacity of 797 mAh g−1 at 200 mA g−1 after even 390 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The Zn foil is coated by carbon black to enlarge the electroactive surface area. • Nanofibrillated cellulose is used as an effective binder to adhere carbon black. • The modified anode can eliminate the dendritic growth and side reactions. • Excellent interface stability between the anode and electrolyte is achieved. • The Zn-MnO 2 battery with modified anode shows significantly improved cyclability. Aqueous zinc-ion batteries have received significant attention due to their low cost and high safety. However, the unsatisfactory cycling performances caused by the dendritic growth on the Zn anode limit their practical applications. Herein, we propose to modify the conventional Zn foil anode by using carbon black coating and nanofibrillated cellulose binder. The carbon black can form an electrically conductive network, thus greatly enlarging the electroactive surface area, while the nanofibrillated cellulose can act as an electrolyte reservoir to facilitate charge transports. Thanks to that, the modified anode can significantly eliminate the dendritic growth and side reactions, therefore ensuring excellent interface stability with the electrolyte even at a commercial-level areal capacity of 5 mAh g−1. With the modified anode, the Zn-MnO 2 battery gives a high capacity retention of 87.4% after 1000 cycles, much higher than that with the unmodified Zn foil (42.6%). This study discloses a facile, scalable, and cost-effective strategy to achieve dendrite-free metal electrodes towards great cyclability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Si has been regarded as a hopeful advanced anode of lithium-ion batteries due to its features such as ultrahigh theoretical specific capacity and high natural abundance. But, it suffers from electrochemical irreversibility because of large volumetric change and poor conductivity during cycle. In spite of obtaining enhanced lithium storage performance after compositing with carbon materials, most of the reported Si/C composite anodes lack a simple preparation process. For the new anode materials, the simple preparation process is as important as showing high performance. Herein, an efficient simple method is developed to prepare a composite of N-doped carbon embedding Si nanoparticles (Si@C) to response to the above Si faced challenges. Its preparation process just consists of very simple ball milling and pyrolysis carbonization, showing great simplicity. The findings confirm that the combination of the ball-milling mixing and the use of PVP carbon precursor enables the optimal Si@C-2 composite to have a N-doped carbon embedding structure and a robust interface Si-O-C chemical bond bonding, hence obtaining enhanced conductivity, high electrochemical kinetics and superb structure stability during cycling process. Therefore, the Si@C-2 anode exhibits excellent performance, with 1542 and 794.7 mA h g−1 after 100 and 1000 cycles at 100 and 1000 mA g−1, respectively, superior to many reported Si/C composites. The simple, scalable preparation method and superb performances offer Si@C-2 great promising in advanced LIB anode applications. [Display omitted] • A high-performance Si@C composite was prepared by a simple ball milling-assisted approach. • The structure-property correlations of the Si@C composite were studied systematically. • A robust interface Si-O-C chemical bond bonding was built in as-prepared Si@C composite. • This work offered new insights into simple preparation of high-performance Si-based anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CoOOH and Co(OH) 2 have great potential in lithium-ion battery anodes due to their high theoretical specific capacities. But they suffer from large volume change during the cycle and hence display fast capacity fading. Carbon coated ultrathin two-dimensional porous nanostructure engineering can be conducive to improving cycling stability of both CoOOH and Co(OH) 2 , but it is a huge challenge. Herein, a tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) assisted synthesis of carbon coated ultrathin porous CoOOH/Co(OH) 2 hybrid nanosheets (COH@C NSs) has been proposed and achieved successfully. This original idea using the TEOS as the reactant not only constructs the ultrathin two-dimensional nanosheets as a structure directing reagent but also forms a porous structure as a precursor of SiO 2 pore templates. As a result, the COH@C NSs integrate the advantages of ultrathin two-dimensional nanosheets, porous structure and carbon coating, and hence have significantly improved structural stability and electrochemical kinetics during the cycle, delivering 845.3 mA h g−1 in 350th cycle at 200 mA g−1 and 696.2 mA h g−1 in 400th cycle at 1000 mA g−1. This work gives a unique insight for engineering ultrathin two-dimensional porous nanostructure of high-capacity CoOOH/Co(OH) 2 hybrid electrode. • Ultrathin CoOOH/Co(OH) 2 hybrid was synthesized by a original TEOS assisted strategy. • The ultrathin nanostructure enhanced reaction kinetics and structure stability of the hybrid. • The as-prepared hybrid nanosheets displayed outstanding performance in lithium storage. • 845 and 696 mA h g−1 were retained at 400th and 420th cycle at 200 and even 1000 mA g−1, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Prussian blue was converted to porous nanocubic N-doped carbon embedding Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles. • The waste of CN– group and its harm to the environment were effectively reduced. • The use of Prussian blue precursor was extended. • The as-obtained Fe 3 O 4 /C PNCs displayed outstanding performance as lithium-ion battery anodes. • 785 and 705 mA h g−1 were maintained after 350 and 600 cycles at 200 and 1000 mA g−1, respectively. Prussian blue is usually used to be precursor to prepare nanosized cubic iron oxides due to its well-defined cube morphology, but the as-prepared iron oxides need to be extral coated with carbon otherwise their lithium storage performance is not satisfactory. Moreover, during preparation of the iron oxides not only the carbon-rich CN– group of the Prussian blue is wasted, but also the resulting gas derived from the decomposition of the CN– is bad for environment. Therefore, it will be significant if the CN– can be converted into N-doped carbon directly. Herein, we develop a novel space-confined calcination strategy to directly convert Prussian blue to Fe 3 O 4 /nitrogen-doped carbon (N-C) nanocube composite, in which the interconnected Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles are in-situ embedded within a porous cubic N-C matrix. The as-prepared composite, therefore, integrates the structural advantages of Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles, porous cubic nanostructure, and N-doped carbon, which guarantee its excellent structure stability and enhanced electrochemical kinetics during cycling process. As a result, this composite exhibits outstanding performance, including high capacity, long life and good rate, with 785 mA h g−1 at 200 mA g−1 after 350 cycles and 705 mA h g−1 at 1000 mA g−1 after 600 cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leaching behavior of metals from copper anode slime was investigated using an alkali fusion-leaching process for the preliminary separation of metal values. The slime was fused with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and sodium nitrate (NaNO 3 ) followed by water leaching. Various parameters of the process were studied, including NaOH/slime mass ratio, NaNO 3 /slime mass ratio, fusion temperature and time, slime/water ratio, leaching temperature and time. More than 97% Se, 98% As, 86% Sn and 76% Pb are leached under optimum conditions while only 1.5% Cu and 3.5% Sb are dissolved. Copper, lead, antimony and silver in residue exist as CuO, PbO, NaSb(OH) 6 and Ag, respectively. Almost all the tellurium, silver, gold and platinum are left in the residue. Based on the experimental results, a flow sheet for comprehensive recovery of metal values from copper anode slime was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achievement of improved structural stability and conductivity for Mn-based oxides is the crucial premise for them to be high-performance anodes of lithium-ion batteries due to their large volume effect and poor intrinsic conductivity. Herein, the lithium storage performance of the MnxOy nanoparticles containing dominant MnO and slight MnO2 and Mn3O4 has been significantly improved by embedding them into a CNT supporting porous carbon. This composite is therefore denoted as CNT/MnxOy/C. The comparison results of the electrochemical performance of thus CNT/MnxOy/C with CNT/Mn3O4 and pure Mn3O4 nanoparticles demonstrate that the well-designed synergistic effect of high conductive CNT support and flexible spongy porous carbon is responsible for its improved performance, which efficiently enhances not only the structural stability but also the electrochemical kinetics of the CNT/MnxOy/C. As a result, this CNT/MnxOy/C anode shows outstanding performance, obtaining high capacities of 936.5 and 410.5 mAh g-1 at 200 and 1000 mA g-1 after 260 and 800 cycles, respectively. Moreover, this strategy proposed here will be hopefully instructive in constructing other advanced metal oxide nanomaterials toward improved performance of lithium-ion battery anodes. [Display omitted] • An efficient composite architecture for improving Mn x O y anode was constructed. • CNT supporting porous carbon matrix offered electrode with advantages in lithium storage. • The role of well-designed carbon matrix in lithium storage was studied in detail. • This as-prepared CNT/Mn x O y /C exhibited significantly improved performance. • High capacity of 936.5 mAh g−1 was obtained after 260 cycles at 200 mA g−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A particular porous carbon with CNT scaffold was constructed. • Thus carbon matrix offered Cu 2 O with improved structural stability and conductivity. • The role of thus carbon matrix in lithium storage of composite was studied in detail. • The as-prepared Cu 2 O/C composite exhibited significantly improved performance. • High capacity of 860. 2 mAh g−1 was obtained after 350 cycles at 200 mA g−1. Herein, it is demonstrated that the lithium storage performance of Cu 2 O electrode has been significantly upgraded by fabricating embedment of porous carbon (PC) with carbon nanotube (CNT) scaffold successfully. It is found that the combined effect of high conductive CNT and flexibly spongy porous carbon plays critical role in improving the electrochemical performance of Cu 2 O electrode for lithium-ion batteries, which efficiently upgrades not only the structural stability but also the conductivity of whole electrode. As a result, this Cu 2 O-based composite electrode shows outstanding cycling performance, high capacity and good rate capability, therefore exhibiting good promising for advanced lithium-ion battery anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a facile and relatively green strategy was demonstrated to construct high-performance MnO 2 @PC anode for lithium-ion batteries. [Display omitted] • 1. A facile and green method was demonstrated to prepare MnO@PC composite. • 2. Effect of porous carbon matrix on performance of MnO@PC was systematically studied. • 3. The well-designed architecture endowed MnO@PC with improved stability and kinetics. • 4. MnO@PC exhibited outstanding performance in terms of high capacity and long life. Although having high theoretical capacity, manganous oxide (MnO) still faces challenges for application in anodes of lithium-ion batteries because of its notorious shortcomings such as enormous volume change and poor conductivity. Herein, a facile and relatively green strategy has been demonstrated to efficiently mitigate above issues, that is, in-situ embedding MnO nanoparticles into a porous carbon matrix by a NaCl template method. The well-designed porous carbon matrix enhances not only conductivity but also structural stability of the as-prepared MnO/C composite electrode during cyclic charge/discharge process. As a consequence, this MnO/C composite, evaluated as an anode of lithium-ion batteries, shows improved performance with 1501 and 1277 mAh g−1 after 180 and 250 cycles at 200 and even 1000 mA g−1, respectively. Moreover, this effective strategy may increase the margin of facile and green preparation of other high-performance metal oxide-based anodes for lithium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A SnO 2 -based composite was fabricated via a relatively green and facile approach. • The composite was composed of clustered SnO 2 /Sn nanoparticles embedded within 2D carbon plates. • This composite exhibited improved cycling life as a lithium-ion battery anode. • The effect of the architecture on electrochemical performance of this composite was studied. ga1 Preparing SnO 2 /carbon (SnO 2 /C) composites is an efficient strategy to enhance the electrochemical performance of the SnO 2 -based anodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, the preparation process of the common SnO 2 /C composites is related to use of large quantities of harmful solvents or reagents as well as production of contaminative organic and inorganic waste liquid, which is not favorable to sustainable development of thus SnO 2 -based anodes. It is indicated that preparing high-performance SnO 2 -based anodes through a green and facile preparation process is significantly important as well as valuable. Herein, a relatively green, facile and scalable approach is demonstrated to prepare SnO 2 (containing 6 wt% Sn)/C composite for LIB anodes. Material characterization results show that the as-prepared composite consists of clustered SnO 2 /Sn nanoparticles embedded within 2D carbon plates. More importantly, the well-designed architecture offers this composite advantage in electrochemical performance. Consequently, this composite displays high capacities of 814 and 561 mAh g−1 after 400 and 800 cycles at 200 and even 1000 mA g−1, respectively, showing outstanding electrochemical performance for being a LIB anode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]