Chromium Oxide Nanoparticles Anchored in Hydrogel-Derived Three-Dimensional N-Doped Porous Carbon Anode Materials as Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

Transition metal oxides (TMOs) have been identified as the most promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, these materials tend to undergo volumetric expansion during battery operation, which disrupts their internal structure and ultimately leads to a degradation of battery performance. Cr₂O₃/N-doped porous carbon (Cr₂O₃@NC) composites were successfully synthesized through high-temperature calcination using Cr₂O₃-containing hydrogels as precursors. The results show that the carbon material not only improves the electron transfer ability of Cr₂O₃ but also effectively prevents its agglomeration. The Cr₂O₃@CN composite as a novel anode material for LIBs exhibits a reversible capacity of 936 mAh g^-1 after 200 cycles at a current density of 1 A g^-1, showcasing excellent cycling and structural stability during cycling. Scanning electron microscopy analysis reveals that the Cr₂O₃@NC composite remains structurally intact throughout cycling. The innovative approach proposed in this study provides a new direction for the advancement of electrode materials for energy storage technologies.