Design and synthesis of hierarchical NiO/Ni(3)V(2)O(8) nanoplatelet arrays with enhanced lithium storage properties.

Hierarchical NiO/Ni(3)V(2)O(8) nanoplatelet arrays (NPAs) grown on Ti foil were prepared as free-standing anodes for Li-ion batteries (LIBs) via a simple one-step hydrothermal approach followed by thermal treatment to enhance Li storage performance. Compared to the bare NiO, the fabricated NiO/Ni(3)V(2)O(8) NPAs exhibited significantly enhanced electrochemical performances with superior discharge capacity (1169.3 mA h g(-1) at 200 mA g(-1)), excellent cycling stability (570.1 mA h g(-1) after 600 cycles at current density of 1000 mA g(-1)) and remarkable rate capability (427.5 mA h g(-1) even at rate of 8000 mA g(-1)). The excellent electrochemical performances of the NiO/Ni(3)V(2)O(8) NPAs were mainly attributed to their unique composition and hierarchical structural features, which not only could offer fast Li(+) diffusion, high surface area and good electrolyte penetration, but also could withstand the volume change. The ex situ XRD analysis revealed that the charge/discharge mechanism of the NiO/Ni(3)V(2)O(8) NPAs included conversion and intercalation reaction. Such NiO/Ni(3)V(2)O(8) NPAs manifest great potential as anode materials for LIBs with the advantages of a facile, low-cost approach and outstanding electrochemical performances.