NiO composites with blackberry seed-derived activated carbon (NiO/BBSDAC) for the improved electrochemical behavior of lithium-ion battery anodes

Abstract

To enhance the electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) in applications, nano NiO was created as an anode material in this work via a simple hydrothermal synthesis approach using a composite with bio-carbon (blackberry seeds derived activated carbon). NiO particles were evenly dispersed across the BBSDAC's surface, according to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies. The resulting composite (NiO@10%-C) with micropores and mesopores showed potential for quick electron/ion transfer, electrolyte penetration to the electrode surface, and prevention of NiO volume expansion during the electrochemical study. In comparison to pristine NiO and the other two composite anode materials (NiO@5%-C and NiO@20%-C), the NiO@10%-C composite material exhibited good rate performance, long cycle life, and high reversibility when employed as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. The NiO@10%-C material had a coulombic efficiency of 99.5% and a capacity of 807 mA h g⁻¹ at a current density of 100 mA g⁻¹ for up to 100 cycles. However, the pristine NiO, NiO@5%-C, and NiO@20%-C materials exhibited a capacity of 112, 207, and 458 mA h g⁻¹, respectively. The exceptional performance of the NiO@10%-C electrode originated from the presence of BBSDAC on NiO, which accelerated the electron transfer and reduced the volume change of NiO during the lithiation and delithiation processes. Accordingly, it is thought that the BBSDAC can be used to enhance the electrochemical capabilities of different metal-oxide electrodes in rechargeable batteries.