Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials possessing a unique sheet structure, compared to correlative bulk materials, exhibit excellent properties, especially in the energy storage and energy conversion field. In this case, NiCl2 nanosheets with thicknesses of 2-8 nm are first prepared by a simple chemical vapor deposition method. For the Li-B/LiF-LiCl-LiBr/NiCl2 thermal battery, the specific energy of NiCl2 nanosheets increases from 510 W h kg-1 (NiCl2 rods) to 616 W h kg-1 at an operation temperature of 500 °C and a current density of 0.2 A cm-2. The 2D morphology and large numbers of defects not only improve the redox reaction rates and the lithium storage capacity, but also enhance the adsorption capacity with the flake-like binder MgO, which prolong the discharge time by suppressing the discharge product diffusion to the electrolyte. These results indicate that NiCl2 nanosheets have a great possibility to become a desirable candidate of cathode materials for assisting in the development of high energy output and provide a new way to restrain the immersion between the electrode and electrolyte.
Keywords: CVD; NiCl2; high specific energy; nanosheets; thermal battery.