Fast oxidation fabrication of nanosized BiOCl-embedded 1D carbon nanofibers as a novel aqueous zinc-ion batteries cathode

Abstract

BiOCl is recognized as one of the promising candidates for aqueous zinc ion batteries (ZIBs) due to its large layer space and high theoretical capacity, but its semiconducting nature and large volume change result in low capacity and poor cycling stability. Herein, BiOCl nanosheets tightly anchored on carbon fibers (BiOCl@CF) self-supported electrode was prepared via a fast oxidation method that just infiltrates Bi@CFs in a solution (V_H2O2:V_HCl = 49:1) for 9 min. Owing thin BiOCl nanosheets with the increased adsorption energy bring accelerated ion transfer, while the cross-linked conductive networks of CFs not only improve charge transfer but also remiss volume expansion during cycling. These features endow BiOCl@CF with outstanding capacity (118.8 mAh g⁻¹ after 200 cycles at 0.2 A g⁻¹), excellent rate performances (67.0 mAh g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹), and long cycle life (97.1 % capacity retention rate over 2000 cycles). Importantly, the reaction mechanism of BiOCl@CF was confirmed by many ex-situ technologies, revealing the conversion storage zinc process. Overall, this work provides a new perspective for the development of high-performance cathode materials for ZIBs.