The catalysis of (de)lithiation in a nerve-cell-like anode of Li-ion battery

We reveal that the oxygen atoms in Sn-based anode materials catalyze de/lithiation in the form of an Li2O intermedium by using a nerve-cell-like anode in an Li-ion battery. The nerve-cell-like anode structure was formed by conductive nitrogen-doped carbon nanofiber linked with carbon-shell-enclosed cages where the active Sn-based materials with tunable oxygen content were isolated for de/lithiation. The Li2O intermedium increased the Li adsorption energy in lithiation, and it amorphized the Li-Sn alloy that accelerates delithiation. As a result, the high rate (dis)charge property with long-term cycle life is achieved in the nerve-cell-like anode, which delivers an outstanding rate capability of 691.9 mA h g(-1) at 7 A g(-1) and capability of maintaining 842.3 mA h g(-1) after 1000 cycles at 2 A g(-1).