Growth of Ni-Graphite Core-Shell for Electrode Applications

A nickel (Ni)-graphite core-shell hybrid material was grown using oxygen (O) reduction of NiO catalyst by hydrogen (H-2). The Ni-graphite core-shell nanoparticles had the form of the Ni nanoparticle wrapped in the graphite layer which is graphene multi-layer. The structural properties of the Ni-graphite core-shell particles were investigated using an X-ray diffractometer (XRD). High-resolution image of the graphite-wrapped Ni nanoparticles was obtained using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). The bonding states and elemental ratios of the Ni-graphite core-shell nanoparticles were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The outmost graphene layer in the graphite wrapping the Ni nanoparticle plays a very important role in electrical conduction. The Ni-graphite core-shell ink with the organic binder was prepared, and the feasibility as the electrode made of the Ni-graphite core-shell ink was investigated on the glass substrate.