Architecting 3D continuous C/CuVO3@Cu composite anode for lithium ion storage

Vanadium-based oxides with high theoretical capacity are an alternative anode for lithium-ion batteries, but they are still limited by the poor conductivity, large volume change and low active material mass loading. Herein, a 3D continuous C/CuVO3@Cu composite anode with high CuVO3 mass loading is synthesized by the combination of high energy ball milling, nonsolvent induced phase separation and heat treatment. The Cu framework can enhance electron/ion conductivity in coordination with amorphous carbon. Besides, the macropores channels in Cu framework can provide a buffer space for the volume expansion of active material CuVO3 during lithiation/delithiation. As a result, this 3D continuous C/CuVO3@Cu composite anode achieves a high CuVO3 mass loading about 3.8 mg cm−2, delivering a reversible capacity of 479 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 after 120 cycles. More importantly, the long lifespan is achieved with a reversible capacity of 268 mAh g−1 even after 1700 cycles at a high current density of 1000 mA g−1, demonstrating the excellent cycle performance. This work provides a way to develop 3D continuous composite materials anode with extraordinary electrochemistry performance for next generation energy storage devices.