Carbon Nanoscrolls for Aluminum Battery

Abstract

This design provides a scalable route for in situ synthesizing of special carbon nanoscrolls as the cathode for an aluminum battery. The frizzy architectures are generated by a few graphene layers convoluting into the hollow carbon scroll, possessing rapid electronic transportation channels, superior anion storage capability, and outstanding ability of accommodating a large volume expansion during the cycling process. The electrochemical performance of the carbon nanoscroll cathode is fully tapped, displaying an excellent reversible discharge capacity of 104 mAh g^-1 at 1000 mA g^-1. After 55 000 cycles, this cathode retains a superior reversible specific capacity of 101.24 mAh g^-1 at an ultrafast rate of 50 000 mA g^-1, around 100% of the initial capacity, which demonstrates a superior electrochemical performance. In addition, anionic storage capability and structural stability are discussed in detail. The battery capacity under a wide temperature range from -80 to 120 °C is examined. At a low temperature of -25 °C, the battery delivers a discharge capacity of 62.83 mAh g^-1 after 10 000 cycles, obtaining a capacity retention near 100%. In addition, it achieves a capacity of 99.5 mAh g^-1 after 4000 cycles at a high temperature of 80 °C, with a capacity retention close to 100%. The carbon nanoscrolls possess an outstanding ultrafast charging/variable discharging rate performance surpassing all the batteries previously reported, which are highly promising for being applied in energy storage fields.

Keywords: aluminum battery; anion intercalation; carbon nanoscrolls; cathode; ultrafast rechargeable.