A low temperature synthesis of nanocrystalline spinel NiFe2O4 and its electrochemical performance as anode of lithium-ion batteries

Nanocrystalline spinel NiFe2O4 was synthesized by a novel low temperature route. The crystal structure, composition and morphology of the as-prepared powder were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The average diameter of the particles prepared at 700 °C is about 30 nm. The electrochemical reaction mechanism and charge–discharge mechanism of the nanocrystalline NiFe2O4 were proposed based on thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and cyclic voltammogram study. The charge–discharge tests indicated that the sample calcined at 700 °C shows the highest initial discharge capacity (1400 mAh g−1) attributed to the nanometer size and the better crystallinity of the powder. A discharge capacity stabilizes at about 600 mAh g−1 after 10 cycles. The columbic efficiency is improved. The synthesis method is relatively low cost and convenient for large-scale production.

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► Nanocrystalline spinel NiFe2O4 has been synthesized at a low temperature.
► The obtained samples were investigated by TG, FTIR, TEM, XRD and CV.
► The obtained powders were charge–discharged at 0.2 mA cm−2 in 0.0–3.0 V.
► The sample calcined at 700 °C was tested at various current densities in 0.0–3.0 V.
► The prepared NiFe2O4 indicates a higher initial discharge capacity (1400 mAh g−1).