Gallium Nitride Nanoparticles Embedded in a Carbon Nanofiber Anode for Ultralong-Cycle-Life Lithium-Ion Batteries

Recently, gallium (Ga), one of the liquid metals (LMs), has been explored with special attention because of its liquid phase nature as a self-healing agent and Li storage characteristics. The current challenge that restricts the practical use of Ga is handling Ga easily without loss and understanding its reaction behavior in Li-ion batteries. One solution that helps to address the problem associated with liquid phases is to make solid phases such as gallium oxides and nitrides as starting materials for a stable conversion reaction. Here, we have successfully incorporated GaN nanoparticles into carbon confiners [1D carbon nanofibers (CNFs) with the outermost carbon coating layer] as an anode for the Li-ion battery. By preserving liquid Ga derived from GaN after the conversion reaction in conductive walls, long-term cycling performance (over 5000 cycles) is achievable. This work provides an insight into the LM-relevant materials/carbon composite in the area of the rechargeable battery.