Preparation of hierarchical hexagonal nanoplates NiO composite with microcrystalline graphite for highly reversible lithium storage

Abstract In this work, hierarchical hexagonal nanoplates NiO composite with microcrystalline graphite are successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal process. Carbon nanofibers are disaggregated to the microcrystalline graphite and they are dispersed in NiO hexagonal structure (H–NiO sample). Microcrystalline graphite (1 wt% of the composite) has effect on growth NiO hexagonal nanoplates, improving the sample conductivity and stability. At the first cycle, H–NiO sample presents a high discharge capacity of 1357.2 mAh g−1 and a charge capacity of 1002.6 mAh g−1 with an initial coulombic efficiency of 73.9%. After 45 cycles, H–NiO sample exhibits a high reversible capacity of 1111.6 mAh g−1. The lithium diffusion coefficient of the H–NiO is calculated to be 7.517 × 10−12 cm2 s−1 with faster Li+ diffusion ability than pure NiO sample. The microcrystalline graphite in the composite electrode can effectively decrease the volume change and pulverization of NiO component, meanwhile, it hinders the aggregation in the cycled electrode. The microcrystalline graphite with intrinsic stability has potential application in producing composites with other metal oxides for highly reversible lithium storage capability.