Nano Ni particle embedded Ni3S2 cathode prepared by melt spinning and ball milling processes

Nano Ni particle embedded Ni3S2 powders (Ni-Ni3S2) are prepared by means of melt spinning and 10 h-ball milling processes. The Ni particles with 10–20 nm size are dispersed over all the Ni3S2 powders with 3.28 μm. Reversibility and rate capability of the Ni-Ni3S2 electrode are investigated at various current densities from 0.1 C to 5 C by comparing with a conventional Ni3S2 electrode. The Ni-Ni3S2 electrode exhibits the remarkably improved reversibility of the redox reactions under high current density and 40% of discharge capacity retention at the current density of 2310 mA g−1, corresponding to 5 C-rate. The improved electrochemical performances are mainly ascribed to ultra fine Ni particles that supplement the loss of Ni and promote the recovery of Ni3S2 during charge process.