Nickel oxide nanotubes: synthesis and electrochemical performance for use in lithium ion batteries

Uniform and aligned Nickel Oxide (NiO) nanotube bundles have been synthesized by a template process. Individual nanotubes are 60 microm long with a 200 nm outer diameter and wall thickness of 20-30 nm. The synthesis involved forming Ni(OH)2 nanotubes that were subsequently heated to 350 degrees C in order to fully convert the product to NiO nanotubes. NiO nanotube powder was used in lithium-ion cells for assessment of lithium storage ability and electrochemical performance. Discharge capacity of the NiO nanotube electrode was in excess of 30% higher than that of the standard NiO nanocrystalline powder electrode after 20 cycles. Impedance data suggests the NiO nanotube electrode provides more controlled and sustainable Li diffusion when compared to the NiO reference powder electrode system.