Synthesis and Electrochemical Characterization of Lithium Carboxylate 2D Compounds as High-Performance Anodes for Li−Ion Batteries

The large-scale utilization of Li-ion batteries in electric vehicles requires urgent development of cost-effective and high-performance electrode materials. Herein, we report the synthesis of conjugated carboxylate (Li 4 C 8 H 2 O 6 ) and non-conjugated carboxylate (Li 4 C 4 H 2 O 6 ) by using a simple solvothermal method and its utilization as anode materials in Li-ion batteries. Atomic force microscopy reveals that as-prepared Li 4 C 8 H 2 O 6 and Li 4 C 4 H 2 O 6 possess a sheet-like morphology with a thickness of 3–5 nm. An initial discharge capacities of 251.7 mAh/g and 251.6 mAh/g at a current density of 50 mA/g can be obtained for Li 4 C 8 H 2 O 6 and Li 4 C 4 H 2 O 6, respectively. In addition, Li 4 C 8 H 2 O 6 is combined with a small amount (5 wt. %) of graphene and nano-Si to enhance the cyclic performance and specific capacity. Consequently, Li 4 C 8 H 2 O 6 /graphene and Li 4 C 8 H 2 O 6 /nano-Si composites rendered a high discharge capacity of 350 mAh/g and 240 mAh/g, respectively, at a relatively higher current density of 100 mA/g. These results demonstrate that lithium carboxylates are promising anode materials for Li-ion batteries. Graphical To conjugate or not to conjugate : We report the synthesis of conjugated carboxylate (Li 4 C 8 H 2 O 6 ) and non-conjugated carboxylate (Li 4 C 4 H 2 O 6 ) by using a simple solvothermal method and its utilization as anode materials in Li-ion batteries.