Tailoring the Growth and Morphology of Lithium Peroxide: Nickel Sulfide/Nickel Phosphate Nanotubes with Optimized Electronic Structure for Lithium–Oxygen Batteries

Abstract

Heterogeneous crystalline-amorphous structures, with tunable electronic structures and morphology, hold immense promise as catalysts for lithium-oxygen batteries (LOBs). Herein, a nanotube network constructed by crystalline nickel sulfide/amorphous nickel phosphate (NiS/NiPO) heterostructure is prepared on Ni foam through the sulfurization of the precursor generated hydrothermally. Used as cathodes, the NiS/NiPO nanotubes with optimized electronic structure can induce the deposition of the highly porous and interconnected structure of Li₂ O₂ with rich Li₂ O₂ -electrolyte interfaces. Abundant active sites can be created on NiS/NiPO through the charge redistribution for the uniform nucleation and growth of Li₂ O₂ . Moreover, nanotube networks endow cathodes with efficient transport channels and sufficient space for the accommodation of Li₂ O₂ . A high discharge capacity of 27 003.6 mAh g^-1 and a low charge overpotential of 0.58 V at 1000 mAh g^-1 can be achieved at 200 mA g^-1 . This work provides valuable insight into the unique role of the electronic structure and morphology of catalysts in the formation mechanisms of Li₂ O₂ and the performances of LOBs.