Improving the Li-Electrochemical Properties of Monodisperse Ni2P Nanoparticles by Self-Generated Carbon Coating

Carbon coating of electrode materials is nowadays a major tool to improve the electronic percolation of the electrode. In this study, a self-generated carbon coating is described as a new way to deposit a regular thin layer of carbon on the surface of nanopartides. It relies on the soft decomposition of the nanopartides surface native ligands, containing alkyl chains, under inert atmosphere at 400 degrees C, a route particularly suited for oxidation-sensitive nanoparticles. Using 25 nm monodispersed Ni2P nanoparticles as a model phase, we succeeded in forming nonsintered and nonoxidized carbon-coated nanopartides. The carbon coating is then tuned in thickness by modifying the ligands set. Electrochemical properties of the resulting Ni2P/C nanoparticles vs Li are compared with those of bulk Ni2P. Both materials are shown to undergo a conversion reaction. The capacity of the bulk material collapses after a few cycles while Ni2P/C nanoparticles show much better retention. The self-generated carbon coating is thus found to promote Li uptake by providing a Li-permeable electron-conductive percolating network and by improving the mechanical integrity of the electrode.