Characterization of Modified Nickel Silicate Anode Material for Lithium–Ion Batteries

Ni₂SiO₄, as a new anode material for lithium–ion batteries, was prepared by the high-temperature calcination method in this work. The MgO-coated NSO was prepared by melt injection method. Electrochemical properties, including voltammogram (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), charge/discharge curves and cycle performance were tested. The structure and morphology of materials were further characterized by XRD and SEM. The results demonstrated that the MgO-coated Ni₂SiO₄ materials exhibited higher cycle charge capacity and coulombic efficiency than that of Ni₂SiO₄. When the MgO coating amount is 1%, the first cycle charge capacity and coulombic efficiency were 584.2 mAh/g and 66.25%, respectively. After 50 cycles, the charge capacity was still maintained at 359.7 mAh/g when the current density was 100 mAh/g, which was 162.7 mAh/g higher than the NSO. The crystal structure of the materials belongs to an orthorhombic system, and the morphological structure presented cubic particles. Therefore, the NSO anode material has a better cycle stability and high capacity when the MgO coating amount is 1%.