In-situ electrolytic synthesis and superior lithium storage capability of Ni–NiO/C nanocomposite by sacrificial nickel anode in molten carbonates

Abstract

Abstract Herein, we demonstrate a facile electrolytic strategy to synthesize a kind of Ni–NiO/C nanocomposite via electroreduction of molten Li–Na–K carbonates synchronously combined with sacrificial nickel anode. Benefiting from its unique in situ synthesis mechanism, the Ni–NiO/C nanocomposite exhibits well-interconnected architecture with fine Ni–NiO nanoparticles embedded into electrolytic carbon matrix. The as-fabricated electrode shows ultra-long cycle stability (achieving a high capacity of 455 mA h g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 1500 cycles, average coulombic efficiency 99.88%) and impressively improved rate capability, comparing with the reported Ni–NiO/C nanocomposites. Such a superior lithium storage properties originates from the in situ formed nanoarchitecture of Ni–NiO/C. This research offers a distinctive pathway for constructing novel composite materials for advanced lithium storage.