Transition metal tetrametaphosphates (M2P4O12) are a novel electrode material for lithium-ion
batteries
(LIBs) due to their good electrical conductivity and reversible redox
behavior. In this work, carbon layer self-encapsulated Ni2P4O12 nanoparticles were prepared by facile
oil bath evaporation and high temperature calcination. A detailed
investigation of the synthesis mechanism was performed through controlled
variables. Among the various synthesis factors, the glucose introduction
generates a self-coated carbon layer; the calcination temperature
can directly affect the crystalline phase formation; the product was
calcined at 800° equipped with the optimal lithium storage performance;
the selection of organic phytic acid was correlated with the Ni2P4O12 micromorphology; and the dosage
of phytic acid, while having an insignificant effect on the crystalline
phase, strongly associated with lithium-ion storage. 4 mL of the phytic
acid-synthesized Ni2P4O12 material
showed the best lithium storage performance. On this basis, the fabricated
NPO-PA-GL electrode materials were applied in LIBs, and electrochemical
tests were conducted. Benefiting from the modulated electronic structure
of the carbon layer, high specific surface area, and nanoparticle
structure, the NPO-PA-GL electrode exhibited high-efficiency electrochemical
activity. Particularly, the cell capacity amounted to 871.8 mA h g–1 at a current density of 50 mA g–1. After 500 constant-current charge/discharge cycles at 1 A g–1, the capacity increased by 128.4%. This work not
only indicated that NPO-PA-GL would be a prospective LIB anode material
but also pointed out a new direction for the exploitation of LIB anode
materials, which will lead to significant innovations in sustainable
chemistry and engineering.