Surfactant-free preparation of NiO nanoflowers and their lithium storage properties

Abstract

Well-defined 3D Ni(OH)2 nanoflowers were synthesized in high yield via a simple surfactant-free hydrothermal process. On the basis of a series of contrast experiments, the probable growth mechanism and fabrication process of the products were proposed. NiO nanoflowers have also been obtained by thermal decomposition of Ni(OH)2 nanoflowers in air at 500 °C. N2 adsorption–desorption measurements indicate the BET surface area is 198 m2 g−1 and the average pore size of the NiO nanoflowers is 15.1 nm. The electrochemical properties of the NiO electrodes in a lithium ion battery and magnetic performance were also investigated. The first discharge capacity of the NiO nanoflowers could reach about 1300 mA h g−1. The unique flower-like structure played a critical role in the morphology requirement to serve as a transport path for lithium ions in lithium batteries.