Binder-free One-dimensional NiCo₂O₄Nanowires@Carbon Papers Composite as an Anode for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Transition-metal oxides are a prospective anode material for lithium ion battery because of their high theoretical specific capacity. However, the insulating nature of these oxides causes sluggish electron transport, hindering them from reaching theoretical capacity. Herein, we prepared NiCo2O4 nanowires (NiCo2O4 NWs) on carbon papers (CPs) by a hydrothermal method. The structural characterization shows that a large number of NiCo2O4 NWs were aligned on the CPs, forming an interconnected network. This unique architecture could enhance electrical conductivity and accommodate NiCo2O4 expansion during lithiation. Thus, the NiCo2O4 NWs/CPs composite electrode exhibits outstanding capacity and ideal cycling performance. The reversible capacity of the first cycle is 1024.9 mAh g-1 and remains to be 1016.7 mAh g-1 after 200 cycles at 100 mA g-1. Our work provided a high performance anode for lithium ion batteries.