Reasonable Design and Deep Insight of Efficient Integrated Photorechargeable Li-Ion Batteries by Using a Cu/CuO/Cu<sub>2</sub>S Electrode.

Wei, Meng; Zhang, Qiuman; Huang, Lisha; Xue, Zhengtao; Gao, Qiongzhi; Cai, Xin; Zhang, Shengsen; Fang, Yueping et al. · Nano Lett · 2024

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Herein, Cu-foam-supported CuO nanowire arrays covered with Cu<sub>2</sub>S nanosheet substrates (Cu/CuO/Cu<sub>2</sub>S) are adopted as efficient photoelectrodes for photorechargeable lithium-ion batteries (PR-LIBs). The assembled PR-LIB exhibits remarkable solar energy conversion efficiency alongside superior lithium storage capabilities. Without an electrical power supply, the photocharged PR-LIB sustained a discharge process for 63.0 h under a constant current density of 0.05 mA cm<sup>-2</sup>. The corresponding solar-to-electrical energy conversion efficiency is 4.50%, which is an impressive achievement among recently reported contemporary technologies. Mechanism investigation shows that the Cu/CuO/Cu<sub>2</sub>S photogenerated carriers augment the extraction and insertion of Li<sup>+</sup> according to different oxidation and reduction reactions in the charging and discharging reactions. This research delineates a refined model system and proposes innovative directions for developing efficient heterojunction photoelectrodes, significantly propelling the development of PR-LIB technology.