Heterostructure Engineering of NiCo‐LDHs for Enhanced Energy Storage Performance in Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Xiaoyang Deng, Pengfei Zhang, Zihao Wan, Zizai Ma, Xiaoguang Wang
Abstract
Abstract Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) are considered a promising device for next‐generation energy storage due to their high safety and low cost. However, developing high−performance cathodes that can be matched with zinc metal anodes remains a challenge in unlocking the full potential of AZIBs. In this study, a typical transition metal layered double hydroxides (NiCo−LDHs) can be in situ reconstructed to NiCo−LDHs/Ni(Co)OOH heterostructure using an electrochemical cycling activation (ECA) method, serving as a novel cathode material for AZIBs. The optimized ECA−NiCo−LDHs cathode demonstrates a high capacity of 181.5 mAh g −1 at 1 A g −1 and retains 75% of initial capacity after 700 cycles at 5 A g −1 . The abundant heterointerfaces of the NiCo−LDHs/Ni(Co)OOH material can activate additional active sites for zinc‐ion storage and accelerate ion diffusion. Theoretical calculations also suggest the heterostructure can boost charge transfer and regulate ion−adsorption capability, thereby improving the electrochemical performance. Additionally, the flexible AZIBs device exhibits good service performance. This study on interface engineering introduces a new possibility for utilizing LDHs in AZIBs and offers a novel strategy for designing electrode materials.