A General One‐Pot Synthesis Strategy of 3D Porous Hierarchical Networks Crosslinked by Monolayered Nanoparticles Interconnected Nanoplates for Lithium Ion Batteries.

A structure of 3D porous hierarchical networks is highly desired for mass production of electrode materials for lithium‐ion batteries due to its unique role in promoting battery performance. Herein, a general strategy using expanded graphites as both a structure‐directed template and a solution container is proposed for the synthesis of various cathode materials with 3D porous hierarchical networks formed by the crosslinkage of monolayered primary nanoparticles interconnected nanoplates, which all show high capacity, superior cyclic performance, and rate capability. The LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2/Li half cell delivers a capacity of 118 mAh g−1 at 20 C (5.6 A g−1) and capacity retention of 71.6% after 1000 cycles at 1 C, while the LiNi0.8Co0.15Al0.05O2/graphite full cell shows 79.9% and 80.0% capacity retentions after 1400 cycles at 1 C and 3000 cycles at 5 C, respectively. The superior performance is attributed to the unique 3D porous hierarchical networks with a stable surface and structure, which is related to the sufficient oxidization of Ni2+ and the formation of little residual lithium at surface intrinsic to this strategy. The study opens a generalized new avenue for facile, cheap, green, and mass production of various oxide materials with 3D porous hierarchical networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]