UV-Triggered In Situ Formation of a Robust SEI on Black Phosphorus for Advanced Energy Storage: Boosting Efficiency and Safety via Rapid Charge Integration Plasticity

Abstract

Black phosphorus (BP) emerges as a highly promising electrode material for next generation of energy-storage systems. Yet, its full potential is hindered by the instability of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) and the inflammability of its liquid systems. Here a pioneering UV-induced in situ strategy is introduced for SEI construction, which leverages rapid electron supply to fracture sulfur-dihalide bonds. This technique yields internal dihalide inorganic components and an external polymer segment, with any excess organic material being purged through pores. The (E)-2-chloro-4-((3′-chloro-4′-hydroxyphenyl)diazinyl)phenyl acrylate (CA), with chlorine-terminated groups, is initially in situ transformed into a flame-retardant phenyl carboxylic acid (PCA), and then encapsulated within an ultrathin BP nanostructure, further nested in nitrogen (N), boron (B) co-doped carbon (C) sheets that accommodate cobalt (Co) single atoms/nanoclusters (Co-NBC). The Co-NBC@BP@PCA construct demonstrates an impressive initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) of 99.1% and maintains exceptional stabilities in terms of mechanical, chemical, and electrochemical performancecritical for prolonged cycle and calendar life. This research sheds light on the interplay between the rapid charge supply integrated in situ plasticity (RSIP) approach and the proactive establishment of an artificial SEI layer, offering profound insights into enhancing the durability and providing a solid foundation for advancements in energy storage technology.