Exploring Nickel Vanadium Oxide nanoparticles for lithium-ion batteries: a green combustion synthesis approach

In this study, electrochemical properties, synthesis, and characterisation of Nickel Vanadium Oxide (NVO) nanoparticles (NPs) were investigated. NVO NPs were prepared by solution combustion using nickel nitrate, ammonium metavanadate as a precursor, with Salvia hispanica (chia seeds) serving as a novel biofuel at 500 °C for 15 min. Chia seed extract provides a natural source of polysaccharides, amino acids, and fatty acids that act simultaneously as fuel, complexing agent, and reducing medium, enabling a low-toxicity, energy-efficient synthesis process. The structural and morphological characteristics of the synthesized NPs were examined using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). XRD analysis revealed that the NVO NPs exhibit triclinic structure with an average crystallite size of 57 nm. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of functional groups and metal-metal bonding within the structure of the NVO NPs. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), SEM gives the information on elemental analysis, surface morphology and TEM revealed a rods-like morphology with some degree of agglomeration among the NPs. The electrode material exhibits excellent Coulombic efficiency above 85% and delivers an initial specific capacity of up to 270 mAh g^-1 at current density of 0.1 A g^-1 and 54 mAh g^-1 at high current density of 0.7 A g^-1. Its stable long-tern cycling performance demonstrates promising potential for advanced rechargeable battery applications. These results collectively confirm that NiV₂O₆ NPs possesses stable structural integrity, reversible redox activity, and moderate long-term durability, establishing them as a viable and eco-friendly anode material for next-generation lithium-ion batteries.