Nanostructured Current Collector Research Articles

CoO/NiSix core–shell nanowire arrays as lithium-ion anodes with high rate capabilities

This paper describes a facile chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and subsequent radio-frequency (RF)-sputtering approach for the synthesis of CoO/NiSi(x) core-shell nanowire (NW) arrays on Ni foams. The metallic core (i.e., NiSi(x)) with high conductivity acts as a nanostructured current collector. The as-synthesized CoO/NiSi(x) core-shell NW arrays have been applied as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, which deliver high cycle life and enhanced power performance compared to planar CoO electrodes on Ni foams. The high surface-to-volume ratio and improved electronic/ionic conductivity of the nanostructured electrodes may be responsible for the improved performance.

Mesoporous carbon-encapsulated NiO nanocomposite negative electrode materials for high-rate Li-ion battery

In this study, a novel mesoporous carbon-encapsulated NiO nanocomposite is proposed and demonstrated for Li-ion battery negative electrode. The nanostructure of the electrode composes of an ordered mesoporous CMK-3 as a 3D nanostructured current collector with micorporous channels for Li + transportation. In addition, exclusive formation of NiO nanoparticles in the confined space of the ordered mesoporous carbon is achieved using the hydrophobic encapsulation route. The half-cell assembled with the synthesized NiO/CMK-3 nanocomposite is able to deliver a high charge capacity of 812 mAh g −1 at the first cycle at a C-rate of 1000 mA g −1 and retained throughout the test with only 0.236% decay per cycle. Even the C-rate as high as 3200 mA g −1, a charge capacity of 808 mAh g −1 contributed by the NiO nanoparticles in CMK-Ni is obtained, which shows excellent rate capability for NiO with utilization close to 100%. The result suggests fast kinetics of conversion reaction for NiO with Li +. It also indicates the blockage of the pore channels by NiO nanoparticles does not take place in the synthesized NiO/CMK-3.