Hierarchical walnut-like Ni0.5Co0.5O hollow nanospheres comprising ultra-thin nanosheets for advanced energy storage devices

摘要

Hierarchical walnut-like Ni0.5Co0.5O hollow nanospheres (NCO-HNS) were successfully synthesized via a facile and effectual hard-template method. Layered Ni0.5Co0.5O nanosheets stacked by several ultrathin layers with the thickness of 2-3 nanometers were self-assembled into the hollow nanospheres. This unique hierarchical architecture, including micro-, meso-, and macropores, could provide a large specific surface area (123.7 m(2) g(-1)) and efficient channel for the diffusion of ions and electrons, as well as the penetration of electrolyte. Significantly, the as-prepared NCO-HNS exhibit an excellent specific capacity of 221.9 mA h g(-1) at the current density of 1 A g(-1), a remarkable rate capability (172.8 mA h g(-1) at 20 A g(-1)) and capacity retention (99.4% after 3000 cycles). Moreover, the NCO-HNS was then successfully fabricated into hybrid devices with active carbon. These devices deliver a maximum energy density of 38.3 W h kg(-1) (31.8 W h L-1) at the power density of 743.5 W kg(-1). Note that because of the morphology and hierarchical architecture, the energy density of the device could still maintain 19.3 W h kg(-1) (16.0 W h L-1) even at an ultra-high power density of 7604.9 W kg(-1). These hierarchical walnut-like Ni0.5Co0.5O hollow nanospheres comprising layered nanosheets may have potential as battery-type electrode materials for advanced energy storage devices.