3D Co-Doping α-Ni(OH)2 Nanosheets for Ultrastable, High-Rate Ni-Zn Battery.

Abstract

The α-Ni(OH)2 is regarded as one promising cathode for aqueous nickel-zinc batteries due to its high theoretical capacity of ≈480mAhg-1 , its practical deployment however suffers from the poor stability in strong alkaline solution, intrinsic low electrical conductivity as well as the retarded ionic diffusion. Herein, a 3D (three dimensional) macroporous α-Ni(OH)2 nanosheets with Co doping is designed through a facile and easily scalable electroless plating combined with electrodeposition strategy. The unique micrometer-sized 3D pores come from Ni substrate and rich voids between Co-doping α-Ni(OH)2 nanosheets can synergistically afford facile, interconnected ionic diffusion channels, sufficient free space for accommodating its volume changes during cycling; meanwhile, the Co-doping can stabilize the structural robustness of the α-Ni(OH)2 in the alkaline electrolyte during cycling. Thus, the 3D α-Ni(OH)2 shows a high capacity of 284mAhg-1 at 0.5mAcm-2 with an excellent retention of 78% even at 15mAcm-2 , and more than 2000 stable cycles at 6mAcm-2 , as well as the robust cycling upon various flexible batteries. This work provides a simple and efficient pathway to enhance the electrochemical performance of Ni-Zn batteries through improving ionic transport kinetics and stabilizing crystal structure of cathodes.