Large-scale preparation of crinkly NiO layers as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

A facile solution combustion method has been used to synthesized NiO nanopartilces in large-scale. The effect of nitrate-to-fuel molar ratios on the morphology and electrochemical performance is investigated. When the nitrate-to-fuel molar ratio is 3, the as-produced NiO presents crinkly-layered structure that presents micrometers hollow spaces, and the nanoparticles are homogeneous and 200 nm in size. As anode material for lithium-ion batteries, the NiO nanoparticles exhibited high capacities of 744 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1 up to 50 cycles, as well as good cycle stability and rate capability. The crinkly structure of NiO is positive to guarantee the good contact between NiO and electrolyte, and to provide void zone to decrease the volume change of electrode during lithiation/delithiation processes. The construction of crinkly NiO is suggested as a promising anode material for high energy density lithium-ion batteries.