Ultra-long cyclic Ni nanoparticles/carbon network hybrid lithium-ion battery anode toward smart electronics.

Recently, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been considered as an extremely important energy source for abundant smart electronic devices. Even so, lower cycle life of LIBs and capacitance performance remains rough challenges due to dramatic structure degradation. Rational structure design is highly desirable to fully improve the electrochemical performance of LIBs. Herein, a hybrid structure of carbon network adorned with nickel particles (Ni/CN) was developed. The ultra-thin interconnected CNs not only provide robust support for ultra-tiny Ni nanoparticles, but also enhance the electrical conductivity network of hybrid structure. The carbon around the Ni nanoparticles is graphitized as soft carbon with large interlayer spacing and good electrical conductivity, which benefits Li+ ion insertion/extraction. Furthermore, large specific surface area, open internal space are favorable for shorten Li+ ion diffusion channel and rapid charge transfer are favorable for accelerating Li+ ion diffusion and accommodating volume strain during the repeated lithiation/delithiation process. Benefiting from these structural and compositional advantages, the Ni/CN anode displays an ultra-stable cyclic lifespan with a specific capacity of 544.7 mAh g−1 (at 1 A g−1) even after 2000 cycles, excellent capacity retention of 121.1%. Therefore, high-energy storage and long lifespan of Ni/CN materials display a bright prospect. Image 1 The as-fabricated Ni/CN exhibits distinctive structure and possible mechanism for lithium ion storage. • We designed a 3D carbon network structure decorated with nickel nanoparticles. • Synergistic effect between nickel and carbon network improves capacity and stability. • It presents an ultrahigh cyclic duration (121.1% retention after 2000 cycles). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]