Nano Ni particle embedded Ni3S2 cathode prepared by melt spinning and ball milling processes

Abstract

Nano Ni particle embedded Ni3S2 powders (Ni-Ni3S2) are prepared by means of melt spinning and 10 h-ball milling processes. The Ni particles with 10-20 nm size are dispersed over all the Ni3S2 powders with 3.28 mu m. Reversibility and rate capability of the Ni-Ni3S2 electrode are investigated at various current densities from 0.1 C to 5 C by comparing with a conventional Ni3S2 electrode. The Ni-Ni3S2 electrode exhibits the remarkably improved reversibility of the redox reactions under high current density and 40% of discharge capacity retention at the current density of 2310 mA g(-1), corresponding to 5 C-rate. The improved electrochemical performances are mainly ascribed to ultra fine Ni particles that supplement the loss of Ni and promote the recovery of Ni3S2 during charge process. (C) 2014 Published by Elsevier B.V.