A study of the capacity fade of porous NiO/Ni foam as negative electrode for lithium-ion batteries

High energy density materials such as NiO that undergoes conversion reaction hold promise for lithium (Li)-ion batteries (LIBs). However, porous NiO experiences substantial volume change due to the diffusion-induced stress during electrochemical operation, which causes mechanical fractures and morphological changes of porous NiO electrodes, leading to capacity fade through internal short circuit (ISCr). In this study, both non-destructive and destructive operations were used to visualize and quantify the origins and evolutions of the capacity fading of porous NiO/Ni foam electrodes. Results indicated that charge transfer resistance was dominant among all the internal resistances before ISCr, whereas solid electrolyte interface (SEI) resistance was dominant after ISCr of LIBs. The generation of the large amount of heat and pressure during ISCr caused the volume expansion and the formation of the micro-cracks in the struts of the porous NiO/Ni foam electrodes. Together with the electrolyte decomposition, this led to capacity fade. The results of this study provide insights for developing of NiO/Ni electrode for LIBs.