Synthesis of nickel sulfide monolayer hollow spheres arrays as cathode materials for alkaline batteries

Abstract In this work, we report interconnected nickel sulfide (NiS) monolayer hollow spheres arrays via a facile template-assisted electrodeposition+ion exchange method. The obtained NiS arrays show unique architecture composed of cross-linked monolayer hollow spheres with diameters of ∼500 nm. The NiS monolayer hollow sphere (MHSA) is composed of nanoparticles of 5–10 nm. The NiS MHSA electrode is investigated as cathode of high-rate alkaline batteries, and delivers a high capacity (68.5 mAh g −1 at 2 Ag −1 ) and good cycling life (65 mAh g −1 at 2 Ag −1 after 3000 cycles). The interconnected monolayer hollow spheres structure is responsible for the good electrochemical performances attributed to its fast transfer paths for ions/electrons, and large contact area between and electrolyte and active materials.