Large-scale synthesis of NiO polyhedron nanocrystals as high-performance anode materials for lithium ion batteries

•A large-scale route was developed to synthesize NiO polyhedron nanocrystals.•NiO polyhedron nanocrystals possesses relatively uniform size of 2 μm.•The sample maintains 645.5 mAh g−1 at 1000 mA g−1 after 100 cycles.

NiO polyhedron nanocrystals have been synthesized using a single source of nickel chloride through a calcination reaction. The electrochemical results displayed that the obtained sample is an outstanding anode material for lithium ion batteries (LIBs). The sample maintains a high specific capacity of 645.5 mAh g−1 at current density of 1000 mA g−1 after 100 cycles. Even at high current density of 4000 mA g−1, the NiO polyhedron nanocrystals still deliver a capacity of 459.6 mAh g−1. The high specific capacity, long stable cyclic property and good rate capability make the NiO polyhedron nanocrystals a good candidate anode material for high-performance LIBs.