Redox Processes between NiO and Ni(0) on Carbon for Application to Conversion Battery

Abstract

Conversion reaction for NiO nanoparticles supported on acetylene black (AB) was analyzed using an in situ XAFS technique. The NiO particle supported on AB was synthesized by the impregnation method. For the first discharge process for a test cell of an NiO/AB cathode with a Li anode, it was revealed that the reactions of the Ni species proceeded at two different potentials. This indicates that the reactions in the surface layer and the bulk of the NiO particle have different reduction potentials. In addition, it was clarified that the Ni particles became smaller after the first discharge process and the fine size was kept in the following cycles.