Improved initial discharge capacity of nanostructured Ni-Co spinel ferrite as anode material in lithium ion batteries

•Nano spinel ferrite with porous structure prepared using co-precipitation method.•The sample delivered 1100 mAh/g for the first discharge capacity at 2.43 mA/cm2.•The sample showed improved capacity values compared to recent studied ones.

Nanostructured nickel ferrite doped with cobalt is synthesized by co-precipitation method. The sample is characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier Transform Infra Red and Transmission Electron Microscope. Specific surface area and porosity analysis are performed through Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms. The magnetic properties are also studied. Spinel cubic structure with nanoparticles and porous surface is confirmed. The electrochemical properties of the nanostructured spinel are investigated including the cycling performance as anode material for lithium ion batteries. The results show that the sample has a high discharge capacity, especially the first five cycles, at current density of 2.43 mA/cm2 compared to recent performances reported at low current density (0.2 mA/cm2) for pure and composite of nanonickel ferrite. All results and data are correlated and discussed.

Graphical abstractRole of cobalt doping, nanostructure and surface pores in improving the discharge capacity of nickel ferrite at current density of 2.43 mA/cm2.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide