# Simple Physical Mixing of Graphitic Wood-Derived Carbon For High-Performance Ni(OH)2 Electrodes: A Sustainable Strategy Beyond Metal Additives

## TL;DR

This paper introduces a low-cost, sustainable method to improve Ni(OH)2 battery electrodes by using graphitic wood-derived carbon instead of expensive metal additives.

## Contribution

The study proposes a novel, eco-friendly strategy using graphitic wood-derived carbon as a conductive additive in Ni(OH)2 electrodes.

## Key findings

- Graphitic wood-derived carbon (GWC) at 25 wt % provides a specific capacity of 284.2 mAh g–1 at 0.2C, outperforming traditional additives.
- GWC offers high conductivity and a unique morphology, making it a viable replacement for costly cobalt and nickel powders.
- The use of GWC simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces environmental impact.

## Abstract

The replacement of
expensive metal powders in Ni­(OH)2-based cathodes is essential
for reducing cost and environmental
impact in aqueous Ni–Zn batteries. This work investigates graphitic
wood-derived carbon (GWC) as a sustainable conductive additive to
boost the performance of Ni­(OH)2 pasted electrodes prepared
by a simple physical mixing process. A number of graphitic wood-derived
carbon qualities are explored as functional additives replacing expensive
cobalt and nickel powder additives while maintaining the electrochemical
performance of Ni­(OH)2 electrodes in aqueous rechargeable
Ni–Zn batteries. The GWC offers high electrical conductivity
and a unique microsized particulate morphology. Optimizing the GWC
content to 25 wt % yields a specific capacity of 284.2 mAh g–1 at 0.2C, which is better than that of electrodes containing only
Ni­(OH)2, with Ni/Co powders, or commercial carbon black.
Furthermore, the open-circuit voltage hysteresis and state of charge
are studied to understand the charge/discharge process, suggesting
that GWC is an effective alternative to expensive metal powders, providing
a low-cost and sustainable strategy for improving Ni­(OH)2-based electrodes through a straightforward manufacturing process.