Hollow Cu-doped NiO microspheres as anode materials with enhanced lithium storage performance

Doping is an effective way to optimize the properties of electrode materials. In this study, hollow Cu-doped NiO microspheres were obtained via the hydrothermal method, in which the microspheres were aggregated from nanoparticles. Compared with the original NiO electrode, the Cu-doped NiO electrode exhibits prominent initial capacity (1180 vs. 900 mA h g(−1)) and better rate capability (80% vs. 30% retention) as anode materials. The superior electrochemical properties could be attributed to the enhanced conductivity by Cu doping.