Preparation of NiO–Ni/natural graphite composite anode for lithium ion batteries

Natural graphite was introduced into NiO–Ni that prepared via a simple pyrogenation method to improve the electrochemical performance of the composite due to the advantages of natural graphite over other amorphous carbon materials in terms of fine electronic conductivity, abundance in nature, low cost and better performance of lithium ion storage. The electrochemical performance of the composite as anode for lithium ion battery was characterized via conventional charge/discharge test and cyclic voltammetric measurement. It shows initial discharge and charge capacity of 630 and 478 mAh g−1 at charge/discharge rate of 0.15 C, maintaining of 532 and 522 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles. It can deliver initial discharge and charge capacity of 508 and 504 mAh g−1 at 0.25 C. After 40 cycles at various rates from 0.25 to 2.5 C, the electrode can restore discharge and charge capacity of 472 and 467 mAh g−1 while lowering the charge/discharge rate to 0.25 C. The electrochemical performance of the NiO–Ni/natural graphite composite was compared with that of NiO–Ni/acetylene black, showing much improvement on cycle stability, specific capacity and rate capability.

► We prepare NiO–Ni/natural graphite composite anode for lithium ion battery.
► The composite shows enhanced cycle stability and capacity than NiO–Ni/acetylene black.
► Enhanced cycle stability is due to the fine electronic conductivity of natural graphite.
► Improved capacity is due to the capacity contribution of natural graphite.