Porous, self-supported Ni3S2/Ni nanoarchitectured electrode operating through efficient lithium-driven conversion reactions

To benefit from the large capacity gain advantages offered by lithium-driven conversion reactions and to overcome intrinsic kinetic limitations, a porous, self-supported Ni3S2/Ni nanoarchitectured electrode concept is reported. The originality of this electrode configuration is rooted in low-temperature hydrothermal techniques, which provide an efficient way to enable the realization of a better interface contact in order to easily fuel electrons to the active material and to add mechanical cohesion to the electrode. A preliminary result shows that the nanoarchitectured electrode exhibits a sustained reversible capacity at 2C rate with a loss of only 18% after 20 cycles and outstanding rate capability even at a rate of 16C. (c) 2007 American Institute of Physics.