Molten salt synthesis and energy storage studies on CuCo2O4 and CuO•Co3O4

CuCo2O4 and CuO center dot Co3O4 compounds were prepared by a one-pot simple molten salt method (MSM) at 280 degrees C to 750 degrees C. Changes in morphology, crystal structure and electrochemical properties of CuCo2O4 as a function of preparation temperatures were investigated using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Brunauer-Emmett- Teller absorption isotherm. XRD patterns of the sample prepared at 280 degrees C show a crystalline cubic structure with a lattice parameter value of a = 8.131 angstrom and a surface area value of 9.8 m(2) g(-1). The sample prepared at temperatures >510 degrees C shows the presence of CuO center dot Co3O4 phases. Energy storage properties are evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic cycling studies. CV studies show a main anodic peak at similar to 2.1 V and cathodic peak at similar to 1.2 V. At a current rate of 60 mA g(-1) and in the voltage range of 0.005-3.0 V vs. Li, CuCo2O4 composite prepared at 510 degrees C shows a high and stable capacity of similar to 680 (quenched) and 740 (slow cooling) mAh g(-1) at the end of the 40th cycle.