Hollow NiO nanotubes synthesized by bio-templates as the high performance anode materials of lithium-ion batteries

• Hollow NiO nanotubular materials are synthesized using bio-template method.
• The prepared nanotube is composed of nanosized NiO with sizes smaller than 20 nm.
• It exhibits a stable reversible capacity of 620 mA h g−1 and good rate performance.

Hollow NiO nanotubular material is prepared by a facile bio-template engaged route using filter paper as the template for Li-ion batteries and optimizing the reaction conditions. The as-obtained products keep the structure of filter paper, resulting in the formation of hollow NiO nanotube aggregates with strong framework and loose hollow mesoporous structure. As anode material for lithium ion batteries, it exhibits a stable reversible capacity of 620 mA h g−1 and keeps over 600 mA h g−1 after 100  cycles except for the first cycle at current density of 200 mA g−1. The NiO eletrode also exhibits good rate capability. The nanostructured characteristics of NiO particles embedded in the nanotube ensure the high capacity in the electrode. The unique hollow structures can shorten the length of Li-ion diffusion and offer a sufficient void space, which sufficiently alleviates the mechanical stress caused by volume change. Herein, the hollow NiO nanotubular electrode exhibits excellent electrochemical performance.

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