Ionic Pumping Effect at the Tailored Mesoporous Carbon Interface for an Extra-Stable Lithium Ion Battery at Low Temperatures

Abstract

Ion transportation at the interface significantly influences the electrochemical performance of the lithium ion battery, especially at high rates and low temperatures. Here, we develop a controlled self-assembly strategy for constructing a mesoporous carbon nanolayer with a uniform pore size and varied thicknesses on the two-dimensional monolayer MXene substrate. On the basis of the excellent electron conductivity of MXene, the mesoporous carbon layer is found with a voltage-driven ion accumulation effect, acting as an "ionic pump". The thicker mesoporous layer (∼2.28 nm) has the ability to accommodate a substantial quantity of ions, demonstrating enhanced ionic conductivity, remarkable cycling stability (192.8 mAh/g after 9400 cycles at 5.0 A/g), and outstanding rate capability at ambient and sub-zero temperatures (∼601 mAh/g at 0 °C and 0.05 A/g). This work provides valuable insights and guidance for the further development of high-performance electrode materials at high rates or low temperatures.