Nickel Oxide Nanoparticle-Assembled Microspheres with a High Rate Capability for Lithium Storage

This paper presents the massive preparation of nickel oxide nanoparticle-assembled mesoporous microspheres using acid-treated carbon microspheres as sacrificial templates. The microstructure and morphology of the hollow NiO microspheres are characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and N2 adsorption–desorption methods. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images reveal that these hollow spheres are assembled by NiO particles with sizes of ~20 nm. The nickel oxide nanoparticle-assembled mesoporous microspheres feature high surface area and good electronic conductivity, leading to high capacity and excellent cycling performance as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.