Graphene encapsulated NiO-Co3O4 open-ended hollow nanocube anode with enhanced performance for lithium/sodium ion batteries

The development of innovative anode materials with distinctive structures that ensure high specific capacity and extended cycling stability is necessary to enhance the performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) and sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Herein, graphene-encapsulated NiO-Co3O4 open-ended hollow nanocube (NiO-Co3O4@rGO) anodes are synthesized by a hydrothermal reduction method. The composite materials effectively solve some of the problems faced by transition metal oxides, such as low capacity due to volume expansion, poor electrical conductivity, etc. The NiO-Co3O4@rGO composites exhibit fantastic lithium-storage performance, including considerable specific capacity (804.5 mAh g-1 at 100 mA g-1 after 100 cycles) and favorable long-term cycling stability (434.1 mAh g-1 at 1000 mA g-1 after 500 cycles), thanks to the special structure and the introduction of rGO. Additionally, the hollow NiO-Co3O4@rGO composites show a strong sodium-storage capability, with a reversible discharge capacity of 269.2 mAh g-1 after 100 cycles at 100 mA g-1. This practical synthesis strategy demonstrates its promising potential as a high-performance anode material for LIBs and SIBs.