Rapid Amorphization in Metastable CoSeO₃·H₂O Nanosheets for Ultrafast Lithiation Kinetics

Abstract

The realization of high-performance anode materials with high capacity at fast lithiation kinetics and excellent cycle stability remains a significant but critical challenge for high-power applications such as electric vehicles. Two-dimensional nanostructures have attracted considerable research interest in electrochemical energy storage devices owing to their intriguing surface effect and significantly decreased ion-diffusion pathway. Here we describe rationally designed metastable CoSeO₃·H₂O nanosheets synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method for use as a Li ion battery anode. This crystalline nanosheet can be steadily converted into amorphous phase at the beginning of the first Li⁺ discharge cycling, leading to ultrahigh reversible capacities of 1100 and 515 mAh g^-1 after 1000 cycles at a high rate of 3 and 10 A g^-1, respectively. The as-obtained amorphous structure experiences an isotropic stress, which can significantly reduce the risk of fracture during electrochemical cycling. Our study offers a precious opportunity to reveal the ultrafast lithiation kinetics associated with the rapid amorphization mechanism in layered cobalt selenide nanosheets.