Carbon nanotubes/amorphous carbon composites as high-power negative electrodes in lithium ion capacitors

A nitrogen-rich carbon nanotubes/amorphous carbon (CNT/C) composite was prepared by carbonising a CNT/polyaniline (PANI) composite, and characterised. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed that the composite retained a mesoporous CNT structure as its backbone, whilst the nitrogen-rich PANI-derived carbon formed a thin amorphous coating on the CNT surface. Electrochemical characterisation of the CNT/C composite indicated that it had nearly double the reversible Li⁺ intercalation capacity (390 vs. 219 mAh g^?1) and 39 % less irreversible capacity (622 vs. 1,015 mAh g^?1) than the pristine CNT. The CNT/C composite showed exceptionally high rate capability with a de-intercalation capacity of 81 mAh g^?1 at a very high charge/discharge rate of 60 C (time taken for charge or discharge is 1 min) (1 C = 1 h charge or discharge), whereas the pristine CNT delivered 53 mAh g^?1 at this C-rate. By comparison, the rate capabilities of conventional graphite (N3 and SLP30) were very poor above 5 C (~17 mAh g^?1 at 5 C). Both the pristine CNT and CNT/C composite showed an excellent cyclability at 1 C charge/discharge over 600 cycles. The CNT/C composite maintained a fairly stable capacity of ~200 mAh g^?1 after 600 cycles, whilst the commercial graphite showed a steady and significant decrease in de-intercalation capacity; reaching <70 mAh g^?1 after 600 cycles.     

Capacitor Applications of Nanocomposite Films for Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene-co-pyrrole)/Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene-co-pyrrole)/Copper Oxide

Polypyrrole/multi-walled carbon nanotube, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)/multi-walled carbon nanotube and their nanocomposites P(EDOT-co-Py)/multi-walled carbon nanotube and P(EDOT-co-Py)/copper (II) oxide, (CuO) in the initial feed ratio of [EDOT]₀/[Py]₀ = 1/5 were electrosynthesized on glassy carbon electrode by cyclic voltammetric method. Their characterizations were performed by cyclic voltammetric, Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersion X-ray analysis, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. To the best of authors’ knowledge, the first report on polypyrrole/multi-walled carbon nanotube, PEDOT/multi-walled carbon nanotube, P(EDOT-co-Py)/multi-walled carbon nanotube and P(EDOT-co-Py)/CuO nanocomposite films were comparatively examined in 0.1 M NaClO₄/CH₃CN and in 0.1 M sodium dodecyl sulfate solutions. The highest specific capacitance for PEDOT/multi-walled carbon nanotube and polypyrrole/multi-walled carbon nanotube composite films were obtained as C_sp = 306 mF × cm^?2 for 3% multi-walled carbon nanotube and C_sp = 804 mF × cm^?2 for 1% multi-walled carbon nanotube, respectively. The highest specific capacitances were obtained as C_sp = 27.40 mF × cm^?2 and C_sp = 26.90 mF × cm^?2 for P(EDOT-co-Py)/multi-walled carbon nanotube includes the wt percent of 1% multi-walled carbon nanotube and P(EDOT-co-Py)/CuO includes the wt percent of 3% CuO, respectively. The C_sp of P(EDOT-co-Py)/CNT composite films were calculated as 9.43 and 11.49 mF × cm^?2 for 3 and 5% multi-walled carbon nanotube, respectively. In addition, The EIS results were simulated with the equivalent circuit model of R_s(C_dl1(R₁(QR₂)))(C_dl2R₃).     

Synthesis of rGO/nanoclay/PVK nanocomposites,electrochemical performances of supercapacitors

ABSTRACT

In this study, graphene oxide (GO) was chemically reacted with sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) to form reduced graphene oxide (rGO). rGO, Montmorillonite nanoclay, and polyvinylcarbazole (PVK) were used to form a ternary nanocomposite via chemical reaction. These nanocomposite qualities were described via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy-attenuated transmission reflectance (FTIR-ATR). In addition, these materials were used in supercapacitor device as an active material to test electrochemical performances via cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The rGO/nanoclay/PVK nanocomposite shows significantly improved specific capacitance (C_sp = 168.64 Fg^?1) compared to that of rGO (C_sp = 63.26 Fg^?1) at the scan rate of 10 mVs^?1 by CV method. The enhanced capacitance results in high power density (P = 5522.6 Wkg^?1) and energy density (E = 28.84 Whkg^?1) capabilities of the rGO/nanoclay/PVK nanocomposite material. The addition of nanoclay and PVK increased the specific capacitance of rGO material due to a dopant effect for supercapacitor studies. Ragone plots were drawn to observe energy and power density of supercapacitor devices. The C_sp of rGO/nanoclay/PVK nanocomposite has only 86.4% of initial capacitance for charge/discharge performances obtained by CV method for 5000 cycles.     

Synthesis of 9H-carbazole-9-carbothioic methacrylic thioanhydride,electropolymerization, characterization and supercapacitor applications

A novel organic molecule of 9H-carbazole-9-carbothioic methacrylic thioanhydride (CzCS₂metac) was synthesized by incorporating CS₂ and methacrylate groups into the carbazole monomer structure. CzCS₂metac was characterized by FTIR, ¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR spectroscopy. CzCS₂metac was electropolymerized in 0.1 M tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate (TEABF₄)/acetonitrile (CH₃CN) on glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The characterization of the electrocoated P(CzCS₂metac)/CFME thin film was studied by various techniques, such as cyclic voltammetry, scanning electron microscopy–energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The specific capacitance (C _sp) of P(CzCS₂metac)/MWCNT/GCE in the scan rate of 20 mV s^?1 (C _sp = 38.48 F g^?1 from area formula, C _sp = 38.52 F g^?1 from charge formula) was increased ~15.66 and ~15.64 times in area and charge formulas compared to P(CzCS₂metac)/GCE (C _sp = 2.46 F g^?1 from area and charge formulas). The same results were also obtained from Nyquist graphs. The specific capacitance value of composite film (C _sp = 1.09 × 10^?3 F) is ~15.66 times higher than the polymer film (C _sp = 6.92 × 10^?5 F). The composite film may be used as supercapacitor electrode material in energy storage devices.     

Conversion of pencil graphite to graphene/polypyrrole nanofiber composite electrodes and its doping effect on the supercapacitive properties

Graphene platelets were synthesized from pencil flake graphite and commercial graphite by chemical method. The chemical method involved modified Hummer's method to synthesize graphene oxide (GO) and the use of hydrazine monohydrate to reduce GO to reduced graphene oxide (rGO). rGO were further reduced using rapid microwave treatment in presence of little amount of hydrazine monohydrate to graphene platelets. Chemically modified graphene/polypyrrole (PPy) nanofiber composites were prepared by in situ anodic electropolymerization of pyrrole monomer in the presence of graphene on stainless steel substrate. The morphology, composition, and electronic structure of the composites together with PPy fibers, graphene oxide (GO), rGO, and graphene were characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), laser‐Raman, and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) methods. From SEM, it was observed that chemically modified graphene formed as a uniform nanocomposite with the PPy fibers absorbed on the graphene surface and/or filled between the graphene sheets. Such uniform structure together with the observed high conductivities afforded high specific capacitance and good cycling stability during the charge–discharge process when used as supercapacitor electrodes. A specific capacitance of supercapacitor was as high as 304 F g^?1 at a current density of 2 mA cm^?1 was achieved over a PPy‐doped graphene composite. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:2118–2126, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Interfacial synthesis of polypyrrole/graphene composites and investigation of their optical,electrical and electrochemical properties

We report the development of a novel route for the synthesis of polypyrrole/graphene (PPy/GR) composites by liquid ? liquid interfacial polymerization, where GR and the initiator were dispersed in the aqueous phase and the monomer was dissolved in the organic phase. The synthesized samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, electrochemical and electrical conductivity measurements. Structural analysis reveals a uniform dispersion of GR sheets in the PPy matrix. The composites showed noticeable improvement in thermal stability and electrical conductivity (8.45 S cm^?1) and excellent electrochemical reversibility in comparison with pure PPy. A specific capacitance of 260 F g^?1 at a current density of 100 mA g^?1 was achieved for the composite during the charge–discharge process. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry     

Embedded Si/Graphene Composite Fabricated by Magnesium-Thermal Reduction as Anode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Embedded Si/graphene composite was fabricated by a novel method, which was in situ generated SiO₂ particles on graphene sheets followed by magnesium-thermal reduction. The tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) and flake graphite was used as original materials. On the one hand, the unique structure of as-obtained composite accommodated the large volume change to some extent. Simultaneously, it enhanced electronic conductivity during Li-ion insertion/extraction. The MR-Si/G composite is used as the anode material for lithium ion batteries, which shows high reversible capacity and ascendant cycling stability reach to 950 mAh·g^?1 at a current density of 50 mA·g^?1 after 60 cycles. These may be conducive to the further advancement of Si-based composite anode design.     

Facile synthesis of graphene/polyaniline composite hydrogel for high-performance supercapacitor

The graphene/polyaniline (PANI) composite hydrogel was successfully prepared by a one-step hydrothermal method. The morphology and structure of the sample were characterized by digital camera, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra. By combining the advantages of high conductivity of graphene and high pseudocapacitance of PANI, the composite hydrogel was taken as supercapacitor electrode material. Cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge experimental results show that the composite has excellent electrochemical performance. The specific capacitance value is 258.5 F g^?1 at a scan rate of 2 mV s^?1 and the specific capacitance value is up to 307 F g^?1 at a current density of 0.2 A g^?1. The specific capacitance value can still maintain 90 % of the initial value after repeating the galvanostatic charge–discharge for 1000 cycles at a current density of 1.0 A g^?1 showing good cycle stability.     

A new route to synthesize polyaniline-grafted carboxyl-functionalized graphene composite materials with excellent electrochemical performance

A new route to synthesize polyaniline (PANI)-grafted carboxyl-functionalized graphene (PGCG) composite material is established. In this paper, PGCG is first prepared through a two-step carboxyl-functionalized process. PANI can be grafted and grown on the surface of graphene due to the covalent bonding existing between the carboxyl-functionalized graphene and polyaniline. This method cannot only improve the mechanical performance and adaptive performance of polyaniline effectively, but also reduce the production costs and environmental pollution during the synthetic process. Therefore, a green and industrial synthetic process is achieved. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) all confirm that composite materials have been prepared successfully. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicate that the as-prepared PGCG has regular structure. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicates that the addition of graphene nanosheets can significantly improve the thermostability of PANI. Moreover, the as-prepared material exhibits superior electrochemical performance. As an electrode material for supercapacitors, PGCG possesses high specific capacitance of 158 F g^?1 at a scan rate of 25 mV s^?1 and 147 F g^?1 at 50 mV s^?1 in 1 M H₂SO₄. The Nyquist plot also confirms that the PGCG has low charge transfer resistance and good capacitive behavior. These great properties make PGCG a novel electrode material with potential applications in high-performance energy storage devices.     

Ag nanowires and its application as electrode materials in electrochemical capacitor

Silver nanowires were synthesized on a large scale by using anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) film as templates and serving ethylene glycol as reductant. Their morphological and structural characterizations were characterized with field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED). The electrochemical properties of silver nanowires as electrode materials for electrochemical capacitors were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge/discharge technique in 6 M KOH aqueous electrolyte. The Ag₂O/Ag coaxial nanowires were formed by the incomplete electrochemical oxidation during the charge step. The maximum specific capacitance of 987 F g^?1 was obtained at a charge–discharge current density of 5 mA cm^?2.     

Preparation of in situ grown silicon carbide whiskers onto graphite for application in Al2O3-C refractories

C-SiC composite powders were prepared by salt-assisted synthesis from Si powders, graphite, and a molten salt medium (NaCl and NaF) with the molar ratio of Si/C =?1/2 at 1300?°C for 3?h. After the C-SiC composite powders part and complete replacement of the graphite, the mechanical properties, oxidation resistance and slag-corrosion resistance of the Al₂O₃-C materials were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), as well as with dedicated equipment. The results indicated that SiC whiskers, with lengths of 10–50?nm, formed on the surface of the flake graphite, and the activation energy of oxidation of the C-SiC composite powder increased by 45.72?kJ?mol^?1 as compared to that of flake graphite. Furthermore, the decarburization area and slag erosion area of the Al₂O₃-C material decreased after 3?wt% of C-SiC composite powder was substituted for the flake graphite. Meanwhile, the cold modulus of rupture was maintained when 3?wt% of C-SiC composite powder was added. This improved both the oxidation and slag resistance of the Al₂O₃-C materials.     

Nanoporous rice husk derived carbon for gas storage and high performance electrochemical energy storage

We report on the gas storage behaviour and electrochemical charge storage properties of high surface area activated nanoporous carbon obtained from rice husk through low temperature chemical activation approach. Rice husk derived porous carbon (RHDPC) exhibits varying porous characteristics upon activation at different temperatures and we observed high gas uptake and efficient energy storage properties for nanoporous carbon materials activated even at a moderate activation temperature of 500 °C. Various experimental techniques including Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy and pore size analyser are employed to characterise the samples. Detailed studies on gas adsorption behaviour of CO₂, H₂ and CH₄ on RHDPCs have been performed at different temperatures using a volumetric gas analyser. High adsorption capacities of ~9.4 mmol g^?1 (298 K, 20 bar), 1.8 wt% (77 K, 10 bar) and ~5 mmol g^?1 (298 K, 40 bar) were obtained respectively for CO₂, H₂ and CH₄, superior to many other carbon based physical adsorbents reported so far. In addition, these nanoporous carbon materials exhibit good electrochemical performance as supercapacitor electrodes and a maximum specific capacitance of 112 F g^?1 has been obtained using aqueous 1 M Na₂SO₄ as electrolyte. Our studies thus demonstrate that nanoporous carbon with high porosity and surface area, obtained through an efficient approach, can act as effective materials for gas storage and electrochemical energy storage applications.     

LiFePO4 batteries with enhanced lithium-ion-diffusion ability due to graphene addition

In this study, graphene was added to LiFePO₄ via a hydrothermal method to improve the lithium-ion-diffusion ability of LiFePO₄. The influence of graphene addition on LiFePO₄ was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry, cycling test, and AC impedance analysis. The addition of graphene to LiFePO₄ resulted in the formation of a LiFePO₄–graphene composite; XRD observations revealed the composite to have a single phase with an olivine-type structure. Furthermore, LiFePO₄ particles in the composite were stacked on the graphene sheet surface, thereby enabling the composite to form an effective conducting network and facilitate the penetration of the surface of active materials by an electrolyte. The lithium-ion-diffusion ability of the LiFePO₄–graphene composite was greater than that of pure LiFePO₄. Of a number of materials studied [namely, pure LiFePO₄, LiFePO₄–graphene (1 %), LiFePO₄–graphene (5 %), and LiFePO₄–graphene (8 %)], LiFePO₄–graphene (5 %) delivered the best electrochemical performance with a lithium-ion-diffusion coefficient of 8.18 × 10^?12 cm² s^?1 and the highest specific discharge capacity of 149 mAh g^?1 at 0.17 C; in contrast, the corresponding values for pure LiFePO₄ were 3.01 × 10^?12 cm² s^?1 and 109 mAh g^?1, respectively. Further, LiFePO₄–graphene (5 %) showed a very high specific discharge capacity of 170 mAh g^?1 at 0.1 C, which is equal to the theoretical capacity of LiFePO₄.     

Graphite–graphite oxide composite electrode for vanadium redox flow battery

A graphite/graphite oxide (GO) composite electrode for vanadium redox battery (VRB) was prepared successfully in this paper. The materials were characterized with X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The specific surface area was measured by the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller method. The redox reactions of [VO₂]⁺/[VO]²⁺ and V³⁺/V²⁺ were studied with cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results indicated that the electrochemical performances of the electrode were improved greatly when 3 wt% GO was added into graphite electrode. The redox peak currents of [VO₂]⁺/[VO]²⁺ and V³⁺/V²⁺ couples on the composite electrode were increased nearly twice as large as that on the graphite electrode, and the charge transfer resistances of the redox pairs on the composite electrode are also reduced. The enhanced electrochemical activity could be ascribed to the presence of plentiful oxygen functional groups on the basal planes and sheet edges of the GO and large specific surface areas introduced by the GO.     

Corrosion protection of new composite polymer coating for carbon steel in sulfuric acid medium by electrochemical methods

In this paper, electropolymerization technique has been used for the obtained of new composite: polypyrrole – dioctyl sulfosuccinate sodium/poly N-ethylaniline (PPY-AOT/PNEA) coatings over carbon steel of type OLC 45 electrode for anticorrosion protection. The PPY-AOT/PNEA coatings were successfully synthesized onto OLC 45 electrode by galvanostatic deposition from aqueous solutions 0.1 M NEA, 0.1 M PY, 0.01 M AOT and 0.3 M H₂C₂O₄ solution at different current densities (5, 3 and 1 mA/cm²) in different molar ratio. The anionic surfactant (AOT) as a dopant ion used during electropolymerization can have a significant result on the anticorrosion protection of the composite film by hindering the penetration of aggressive ions. The polymeric composite coatings have been analyzed by cyclic voltammetry (CV), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods. The corrosion resistance of PPY-AOT/PNEA coated carbon steel has been examined by potentiodynamic polarization techniques and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) methods in 0.5 M H₂SO₄ solutions. The data of the corrosion samples demonstrated that PPY-AOT/PNEA coatings assure a great anticorrosion protection of OLC 45 electrode in corrosive media. The corrosion rate of PPY-AOT/PNEA coated OLC 45 has been indicated to be ~9 times lower than of uncoated electrode. The corrosion protection effectiveness of the composite coating is more than 89%. The best efficiency is accomplished of PPY-AOT/PNEA obtained by electrodeposition at 5 mA/cm² current densities applied in molar ratio 5:1.     

Influence of adding multiwalled carbon nanotubes on the adhesive strength of composite epoxy/sol–gel materials

The tensile shear strength of a composite epoxy/sol–gel system modified with different ratios of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was evaluated using a mechanical testing machine. The experimental results showed that the shear strength increased when lower than ~0.07 wt% of MWCNTs were added in the composite solution. The increase of the shear strength was attributed to both the mechanical load transfer from the matrix to the MWCNTs and the high specific surface area of this material that increased the degree of crosslinking with other inorganic fillers in the formulation. However, a decrease in the adhesive shear strength was observed after more than ~0.07 wt% MWCNTs were added to the composite. The reason for this may be related to the high concentration of MWCNTs within the matrix leading to excessively high viscosity, dewetting of the substrate surfaces, and reduced bonding of MWCNTs with the matrix, thereby limiting the strength. SEM observation of the fracture surfaces for composite epoxy/sol–gel adhesive materials with 0.01 wt% MWCNTs showed a mixed interfacial/cohesive fracture mode. This fracture mode indicated strong links at the adhesive/substrate interface, and interaction between CNTs and the matrix was achieved; therefore, adhesion performance of the composite epoxy/sol–gel material to the substrate was improved. An increase of a strong peak related to the C–O bond at ~1733 cm^?1 in the FTIR spectra was observed. This peak represented crosslinking between the CNT surface and the organosilica nanoparticles in the MWCNTs-doped composite adhesive. Raman spectroscopy was also used to identify MWCNTs within the adhesive material. The Raman spectra exhibit peaks at ~1275 cm^?1 and in the range of ~1549–1590 cm^?1. The former is the graphite G-band, while the latter is the diamond D-band. The D-band and G-band represent the C–C single bond and C=C double bond in carbon nanotubes, respectively.     

High-performance polymer/nanodiamond composites: synthesis and properties

Conjugated polymer/nanodiamond nanocomposites have been known as high-performance materials due to improved physical properties relative to conventional composites. In this attempt, novel conjugated polymer/nanodiamond nanocomposites were successfully prepared by in situ oxidative polymerization. Physical characteristics of the resultant nanocomposites were explored using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope, differential scanning calorimeter, thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy. Structural analysis revealed the oxidative polymerization of various matrices [polyaniline (PANi), polypyrrole (PPy), polythiophene (PTh) and polyazopyridine (PAP)] over the surface of functionalized (F-NDs) and non-functionalized nanodiamonds (NF-NDs) thus ensuing NF-NDs/PAP/PANi/PPy, F-NDs/PAP/PANi/PPy, NF-NDs/PANi/PPy/PTh and F-NDs/PANi/PPy/PTh nanocomposites. FESEM images depicted the fibrillar morphology of resulting nanocomposites with granular arrangement of nanofiller in matrix. Thermal analysis results showed that the functionalized F-NDs/PAP/PANi/PPy hybrid had higher value of 10 % weight loss around 489 °C relative to F-NDs/PANi/PPy/PTh with T₁₀ at 471 °C. The glass transition temperature was found to be 99 and 105 °C for NF-NDs/PANi/PPy/PTh and F-NDs/PANi/PPy/PTh, respectively. On the other hand, NF-NDS/PAP/PANi/PPy and F-NDs/PAP/PANi/PPy showed higher T _g’_s of 109 and 118 °C. The conductivity of NF-NDs/PAP/PANi/PPy was 3.8 Scm^?1 and improved with the functionalized filler loading in F-NDs/PAP/PANi/PPy up to 5.4 Scm^?1, while NF-NDs/PANi/PPy/PTh and F-NDs/PANi/PPy/PTh had relatively lower values around 2.9 and 3.7 Scm^?1, respectively. New conducting nanocomposites may act as useful contenders in significant industrial applications such as polymer Li-ion battery.     

Effect of particle shape on the electrochemical properties of CaSnO3 as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Cubic and star-shaped CaSnO₃ particles with a perovskite structure were synthesized successfully using a simple hydrothermal method at a low temperature of 140 °C. The structure and morphology of the CaSnO₃ powders were characterized using X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The electrochemical properties of the CaSnO₃ as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries were tested by constant current discharge/charge and cyclic voltammetry. The large irreversible capacity in the initial cycle was similar to that of tin oxide, due to the decomposition of tin oxide into metallic tin and Li₂O, followed by a reversible Li–Sn formation. The reversible capacity of the cubic CaSnO₃ was 382 mAh g^?1 in the first cycle and was maintained at 365 mAh g^?1 in the following cycles. The cubic CaSnO₃ particles had a higher reversible capacity than the star-shaped CaSnO₃ particles and retained a capacity of about 365 mAh g^?1 after 60 cycles as well as good cycle stability, showing potential as attractive anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. It is found that the particle shape had a marked effect on electrochemical performance.     

Synthesis,characterization, and evaluation of unsupported porous NiS submicrometer spheres as a cathode material for lithium batteries

Synthesis of a nanostructured pure phase nickel sulfide in a single step is a challenge. In this work, a new method for direct synthesis of uniform NiS–SiO₂ submicrospheres was developed by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis. Colloidal silica was used as a sacrificial template to create the porous structure. After silica removal, hollow, porous pure phase NiS nanospheres were obtained. The product was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and N₂ adsorption/desorption isotherm. The results confirmed the formation of single phase millerite NiS porous nanospheres with a high surface area of 312 m² g^?1. The NiS spheres were tested as cathode for lithium batteries. A discharge capacity of 340 mAh g^?1 with good capacity retention during multiple cycles was obtained.     

Application of attapulgite/maltose system on mesoporous carbon material preparation for electrochemical capacitors

Mesoporous carbon materials were prepared through atmospheric pressure impregnation at room temperature using attapulgite as hard template and maltose as carbon source. N₂ absorption–desorption, X-ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy were used to determine the construction and morphology of the materials. The results showed that the prepared carbon materials possessed chain-layered structures whose surfaces were filled with ample nanoscale apertures. The materials also exhibited partial fasciculus with specific surface area and total pore volume of 628.6 m² g^?1 and 1.31 cm³ g^?1, respectively. Constant current charge/discharge, cyclic voltammetry, and AC impedance tests were performed to evaluate the electrochemical performance of the materials. The constant current charge/discharge tests showed that the materials have excellent energy storage capacity. When the current density was 600 mA g^?1, the specific capacitance value reached 171 F g^?1. The materials showed quasi-rectangular features of typical cyclic voltammetry curve even at high scan rate (200 mV s^?1), indicating that they possess excellent rate capacity. The AC impedance tests showed that the materials were typical porous electrode materials with combination resistance of 0.82 Ω. The specific capacitance of the materials reached 79 % after 1,000 constant current charge/discharge cycles, indicating that they have superior cyclic stability.