3D hierarchical porous NiO nanoflowers as an advanced anode material with remarkable lithium storage performance

Abstract

A cost-effective but efficient two-step solvothermal calcination strategy for the preparation of novel three-dimensional (3D) open hierarchical NiO nanoflowers was demonstrated. The nanostructured flowers, assembled by nanosheets with high porosity resulting from many interparticle mesopores, afford a large specific surface area and interlayer space for ion intercalation. The as-prepared NiO nanoflowers possess promising fast charge transfer, remarkable structural integration, as well as high electroactive surface area (ECSA). Remarkably, electrochemical testing in Li-ion batteries showed that the NiO nanoflowers, as a high-performance anode, are capable of delivering a superior specific capacity, high cycling stability, as well as good rate capacity. The excellent electrochemical performance may be attributed to the unique well-defined self-assembled NiO nanoflowers with 3D open hierarchical structures.