The high capacity and cycle stability of NiFe₂O₄ thin film prepared by E-beam evaporation method for lithium ion batteries

NiFe₂O₄ thin film has been prepared by electron beam evaporation method and has been investigated as anode materials providing large reversible Li⁺ capacity with high cycling performance for lithium ion batteries. The NiFe₂O₄ thin film crystallized with annealing process after NiFe₂O₄ thin film deposition. In electrochemical measurements, the first discharge and charge capacity of NiFe₂O₄ thin film were found to be 1693 mAh g⁻¹ and 1108 mAh g⁻¹, which is above its theoretical capacity (915 mAh g⁻¹). In addition, the cycle performance test of NiFe₂O₄ thin film also showed steady charge-discharge capacity at 0.1 C during 100 cycles compared to other NiFe₂O₄ materials, indicating that the empty space or porous surface of electrode was beneficial for accessibility of electrolyte and served as buffer to alleviate stress. - Highlights: • NiFe₂O₄ thin film has been prepared by electron beam evaporation method. • The first discharge and charge capacity of NiFe₂O₄ thin film were found to be 1693 mAh g⁻¹ and 1108 mAh g⁻¹. • The cycle performance test of NiFe₂O₄ thin film also showed steady charge-discharge capacity at 0.1 C during 100 cycles.