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Developing zero-strain electrode materials with high capacity is crucial for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Here, a new zero-strain composite material made of ultrasmall Si nanodots (NDs) within metal organic framework-derived nanoreactors (Si NDs⊂MDN) through a novel space-confined catalytic strategy is reported. The unique Si NDs⊂MDN anode features a low strain (3%) and a high theoretical lithium storage capacity (1524 mAh g

The realization of antipulverization electrode structures, especially using low-carbon-content anode materials, is crucial for developing high-energy and long-life lithium-ion batteries (LIBs); however, this technology remains challenging. This study shows that SnO2 triple-shelled hollow superstructures (TSHSs) with a low carbon content (4.83%) constructed by layer-by-layer assembly of various nanostructure units can withstand a huge volume expansion of ≈231.8% and deliver a high reversible capacity of 1099 mAh g-1 even after 1450 cycles. These values represent the best comprehensive performance in SnO2 -based anodes to date. Mechanics simulations and in situ transmission electron microscopy suggest that the TSHSs enable a self-synergistic structure-preservation behavior upon lithiation/delithiation, protecting the superstructures from collapse and guaranteeing the electrode structural integrity during long-term cycling. Specifically, the outer shells during lithiation processes are fully lithiated, preventing the overlithiation and the collapse of the inner shells; in turn, in delithiation processes, the underlithiated inner shells work as robust cores to support the huge volume contraction of the outer shells; meanwhile, the middle shells with abundant pores offer sufficient space to accommodate the volume change from the outer shell during both lithiation and delithiation. This study opens a new avenue in the development of high-performance LIBs for practical energy applications.

The exploration of new and efficient energy storage mechanisms through nanostructured electrode design is crucial for the development of high-performance rechargeable batteries. Herein, black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) and Ti3C2 nanosheets (TNSs) are employed as battery and pseudocapacitive components, respectively, to construct BPQD/TNS composite anodes with a novel battery-capacitive dual-model energy storage (DMES) mechanism for lithium-ion and sodium-ion batteries. Specifically, as a battery-type component, BPQDs anchored on the TNSs are endowed with improved conductivity and relieved stress upon cycling, enabling a high-capacity and stable energy storage. Meanwhile, the pseudocapacitive TNS component with further atomic charge polarization induced by POTi interfacial bonds between the two components allows enhanced charge adsorption and efficient interfacial electron transfer, contributing a higher pseudocapacitive value and fast energy storage. The DMES mechanism is evidenced by substantial characterizations of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, density functional theory calculations, and kinetics analyses. Consequently, the composite electrode exhibits superior battery performance, especially for lithium storage, such as high capacity (910 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1), long cycling stability (2400 cycles with a capacity retention over 100%), and high rate capability, representing the best comprehensive battery performance in BP-based anodes to date.