Smart Hybrids of Zn₂GeO₄ Nanoparticles and Ultrathin g‐C₃N₄ Layers: Synergistic Lithium Storage and Excellent Electrochemical Performance

Abstract

Smart hybrids of Zn 2 GeO 4 nanoparticles and ultrathin g‐C 3 N 4 layers (Zn 2 GeO 4 /g‐C 3 N 4 hybrids) are realized by a facile solution approach, where g‐C 3 N 4 layers act as an effective substrate for the nucleation and subsequent in situ growth of Zn 2 GeO 4 nanoparticles. A synergistic effect is demonstrated on the two building blocks of Zn 2 GeO 4 /g‐C 3 N 4 hybrids for lithium storage: Zn 2 GeO 4 nanoparticles contribute high capacity and serve as spacers to isolate the ultrathin g‐C 3 N 4 layers from restacking, resulting in expanded interlayer and exposed vacancies with doubly bonded nitrogen for extra Li‐ion storage and diffusion pathway; 2D g‐C 3 N 4 layers, in turn, minimize the strain of particles expansion and prevent the formation of unstable solid electrolyte interphase, leading to highly reversible lithium storage. Benefiting from the remarkable synergy, the Zn 2 GeO 4 /g‐C 3 N 4 hybrids exhibit highly reversible capacity of 1370 mA h g −1 at 200 mA g −1 after 140 cycles and excellent rate capability of 950 mA h g −1 at 2000 mA g −1 . The synergistic effect originating from the hybrids brings out excellent electrochemical performance, and thus casts new light on the development of high‐energy and high‐power anode materials.