Large-scale self-template synthesis of NiCo2O4 nanotubes derived from alginate for high-rate lithium storage properties stimulated by capacitive effects

Abstract

Searching high-rate and long-life electrode material of transition metal oxides is still considered a prospective choice to boost powerful electrochemical energy conversion and storage application. Herein, NiCo2O4 nanotubes have been fabricated in large quantities by a facile self-template formation strategy using alginate. Such an interesting nanostructure owns optimal voids inside the stable shells, which can facilitate the fast ion diffusion and efficiently buffer the huge volume changes when used as an anode material for lithium ion batteries. As a result, the as-synthesized NiCo2O4 nanotubes electrode delivers admirable electrochemical properties with high reversible capacity (1162 mAh g−1 in the initial cycle at 0.2 A g−1), excellent cycling stability (949 mAh g−1 after 800 cycles at 1 A g−1) and especially remarkable rate capability (684 mAh g−1 even at 8 A g−1). The present work may demonstrate great potential in the large-scale preparation of the NiCo2O4 nanotubes for advanced lithium storage.