Few-layer NiPS₃ nanosheets as bifunctional materials for Li-ion storage and oxygen evolution reaction

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Two-dimensional (2D) ultrathin nanosheets offer enhanced surface area and electron transport for improved electrochemical performance.
• Nickel phosphorus trisulfide (NiPS3) is a layered material with potential for electrochemical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize ultrathin few-layer NiPS3 nanosheets using high-yield liquid phase exfoliation.
• To investigate the electrochemical performance of NiPS3 nanosheets as anodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).
• To evaluate the electrocatalytic activity of NiPS3 nanosheets for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER).

Main Methods:

• High-yield liquid phase exfoliation of bulk NiPS3 crystals to obtain few-layer nanosheets.
• Electrochemical characterization of NiPS3 nanosheets as LIB anodes, including cycling stability and rate capability tests.
• Electrocatalytic evaluation of NiPS3 nanosheets for OER, measuring overpotential, Tafel slope, and durability.

Main Results:

• NiPS3 nanosheets exhibited stable reversible capacity of 796.2 mA h g-1 after 150 cycles at 100 mA g-1 as LIB anodes.
• Excellent OER performance was achieved with a low overpotential of 301 mV at 10 mA cm-2 and a Tafel slope of 43 mV dec-1.
• Outstanding long-term durability was observed for NiPS3 nanosheets in OER.

Conclusions:

• Ultrathin NiPS3 nanosheets are promising materials for high-performance lithium-ion battery anodes.
• NiPS3 nanosheets demonstrate excellent electrocatalytic activity and stability for the oxygen evolution reaction.
• This study contributes to the development of next-generation electrochemically active materials for energy storage and conversion.