Enhanced photocatalytic behavior and excellent electrochemical performance of hierarchically structured NiO microspheres

Abstract

Hierarchically structured nickel oxide microspheres were acquired through calcination of the hydroxide precursor at 400 °C for 4 h. The phase and morphology of the products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and field emission scanning electronic microscopy (FE-SEM). The synthesized products are pure phase with high crystallinity. And the hierarchical structures assembled from the nanoflakes with a thickness of 50 nm have a considerably large specific surface area (165.3 m² g⁻¹). The adsorption capacity and photocatalytic activity of the hierarchically structured NiO were evaluated using direct fast bordeaux as target pollutant, indicating a high decolorization rate. The effect of pH on the decolorization rate was also analyzed. The electrochemical behavior of NiO as anode material for lithium ion batteries was investigated. The excellent photocatalytic and electrochemical performances of NiO microspheres can be attributed to the unique hierarchical structures.