Three-dimensional NiCoS nanotubes@NiCo-LDH nanosheets core–shell heterostructure for high-rate capability alkaline zinc-based batteries

Abstract

Aqueous alkaline zinc-based batteries (AAZBs) are promising for large-scale applications due to their high working voltage, safety, and low cost. However, the further development of AAZBs has been significantly hindered by the low electronic conductivity and poor cycling stability of traditional nickel/cobalt-based cathode materials. In this work, a binder-free electrode was successfully designed by electrodepositing NiCo-LDH nanosheets on NiCoS nanotube arrays that were grown on nickel foam (NiCoS@NiCo-LDH). The unique three-dimensional core–shell heterostructures not only enhance electrical conductivity but also offer abundant active sites and rapid ion/electron transport channels, thereby improving its electrochemical performance. The as-fabricated NiCoS@NiCo-LDH electrode delivers a capacity of 312 mA h g⁻¹ (0.624 mA h cm⁻²) at 2 mA cm⁻² and exhibits high rate capability with 90% capacity retention at 10 mA cm⁻². Additionally, the assembled NiCoS@NiCo-LDH//Zn battery exhibits a high energy density of 435.3 W h kg⁻¹ at a power density of 4.1 kW kg⁻¹ and maintains 95.9% of its capacity after 3000 cycles at a current density of 20 mA cm⁻².