Electrochemically deposited interconnected porous Co3O4 nanoflakes as anodes with excellent rate capability for lithium ion batteries

Interconnected porous Co3O4 nanoflakes were prepared on nickel foam by a simple electrochemical deposition combined with a subsequent heat treatment. The featured nanoflakes consisted of interconnected primary nanoparticles and nanopores resulting in a large specific surface area. As an anode material of lithium ion batteries, the as-prepared samples exhibited superior cyclic performance and excellent rate capacity. The discharge capacity remained at 1211 mA h g(-1) after 100 cycles at a current density of 1 A g(-1). Notably, after cycling at various current densities up to 5 A g(-1), the capacity recovered to 1266 mA h g(-1) at 0.1 A g(-1).