α‐Ga2O3@Chitosan‐Derived Carbon as High‐Performance Anode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries

Abstract

Gallium oxide is one of the most promising anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries due to its high theoretical specific capacity and ability to maintain self‐healing behavior during the reaction process. However, the susceptibility to volume expansion during the alloying reaction, which affects cycling performance, and the unclear lithium storage mechanism limit the application of Ga2O3. For this purpose, α‐Ga2O3@ chitosan‐derived carbon nanocomposites (α‐Ga2O3@CS NPs) are synthesized by introducing biomass materials. Due to the capacity contribution of Ga2O3 and the inhibition of biomass carbon on volume expansion, the composites exhibit excellent electrochemical performance. A high reversible capacity is shown in the long‐cycle test, with a discharge capacity of 505.1 mAh g−1 after 130 cycles at 0.2 A g−1, with no significant decrease from the initial capacity. During the periodic rate performance test of 0.1–5 A g−1, the reversible discharge capacity of the electrode material is maintained at 482.2 mAh g−1 when the current is restored to 0.1 A g−1. In addition, the lithium storage process of the electrode is investigated by in situ X‐ray diffraction, which, together with the low‐cost synthesis process, promotes the practical application prospect of Ga2O3.