Three-dimensional hierarchical pompon-like Co3O4 porous spheres for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

Three-dimensional hierarchical pompon-like Co3O4 porous spheres were synthesized by a hydrothermal method. It was found that the crystal-splitting mechanism plays a key role in the formation of these pompon-like structures. When tested as anode materials in lithium ion batteries (LIBs), they showed higher specific capacity and better cycle performance than those of Co3O4 nanoparticles and nanowires.