Dongguk University researchers advance lithium-ion battery technology with hybrid anode material

Lithium-ion batteries are the dominant energy storage technology powering everything from portable electronics to electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. However, the demand for higher energy density, faster charging, and longer lifespans necessitates continuous innovation.

Researchers, led by Professor Jae-Min Oh of Dongguk University, in collaboration with Seung-Min Paek of Kyungpook National University, are addressing these challenges by engineering materials at the nanoscale. Their work, available online on January 28, 2025, and published in volume 506 of the Chemical Engineering Journal on January 15, 2025, focuses on a novel hybrid material designed to maximize the synergistic effects of its components. This innovative composite is a hierarchical heterostructure that combines reduced graphene oxide (rGO) with nickel-iron layered double hydroxides (NiFe-LDH). This unique composite leverages the properties of its components: rGO provides a conductive network for electron transport, and the nickel-iron-oxide components enable fast charge storage through a pseudocapacitive mechanism. The key to this innovative design is the abundance of grain boundaries, which facilitate efficient charge storage.

To achieve the final composite, the researchers employed a layer-by-layer self-assembly technique using polystyrene (PS) bead templates. First, the PS beads were coated with GO and NiFe-LDH precursors. The templates were then removed, leaving behind a hollow sphere architecture. Following this, a controlled thermal treatment induced a phase transformation in NiFe-LDH, leading to the formation of nanocrystalline nickel-iron oxide (NiFe₂O₄) and amorphous nickel oxide (a-NiO), while simultaneously reducing GO to rGO. This synthesis resulted in a well-integrated hybrid composite (rGO/NiFe₂O₄/a-NiO), with enhanced conductivity making it an efficient anode material for lithium-ion batteries. This hollow structure prevents direct contact between the a-NiO/NiFe₂O₄ nanoparticles and the electrolyte, improving stability.

Advanced characterization techniques, such as X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, were then used to confirm the composite's formation. Electrochemical tests revealed the material's exceptional performance as a lithium-ion battery anode. The anode demonstrated a high specific capacity of 1687.6 mA h g⁻¹ at a current density of 100 mA g⁻¹ after 580 cycles, surpassing conventional materials and highlighting its excellent cycling stability. Furthermore, the material exhibited good rate performance, maintaining high capacity even at significantly increased charge/discharge rates.

Professor Seung-Min Paek emphasized the collaborative nature of the research, "This breakthrough was made possible through close cooperation between experts in diverse materials. By combining our strengths, we were able to design and optimize this hybrid system more effectively. "

Professor Jae-Min Oh added, "We anticipate that, in the near future, energy storage materials will move beyond simply improving individual components. Instead, they will involve multiple interacting materials that create synergy, resulting in more efficient and reliable energy storage devices. This research offers a pathway to smaller, lighter, and more efficient energy storage for next-generation electronic devices."

This development targets significantly improved batteries (longer life, faster charge, lighter) within 5-10 years, benefiting both device users and sustainable energy initiatives.

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Reference

DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2025.159671

About the institute
Dongguk University, founded in 1906, is located in Seoul, South Korea. It comprises 13 colleges that cover a variety of disciplines and has local campuses in Gyeongju, Goyang, and Los Angeles. The university has 1300 professors who conduct independent research and 18,000 students undertaking studies in a variety of disciplines. Interaction between disciplines is one of the strengths on which Dongguk prides itself; the university encourages researchers to work across disciplines in Information Technology, Bio Technology, CT, and Buddhism.

Website: https://www.dongguk.edu/eng/

About Professor Jae-Min Oh
Dr. Jae-Min Oh earned his PhD from Seoul National University and completed postdoctoral research in France and Korea. He has held professorships at Yonsei University and currently serves as a professor at Dongguk University. His research group focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and application of layered inorganic materials, particularly layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, including MXenes and graphene oxide. His work spans diverse areas, including: advanced energy storage and conversion devices (lithium-ion batteries, sodium-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and photovoltaics), biomedical applications (drug delivery, biocompatible materials, and diagnostics), and environmental remediation (pollutant removal and gas adsorption). He also investigates interfacial engineering to optimize material properties for these applications.