Self-assembled Co3O4 nanostructure with controllable morphology towards high performance anode for lithium ion batteries

The synthesis of Co3O4 nanostructures with controllable morphology through hydrothermal reaction was investigated. Through adjusting the reaction temperature, mesoporous nanowires (Co3O4-NWs) and mesoporous nanoflakes (Co3O4-NFs) can be directly grown on nickel foam at a reaction of temperature of 90 degrees C and 120 degrees C, respectively. Compared with Co3O4-NWs, Co3O4-NFs displays greatly improved performance of cyclic stability and rate capability. After 100 cycles, an outstanding reversible capacity of 1300 mAh g(-1) with negligible capacity fading is achieved at current density of 100 mA g(-1) for Co3O4-NFs. Furthermore, Co3O4-NFs exhibit excellent rate capability, with a reversible capacity up to 450 mAh g(-1) even at a current density as high as 8 A g(-1). Due to the directly growing aligned Co3O4 nanoflakes on conductive 3D nickel foam, the Co3O4-NFs electrode shows superior electrochemical performance, with potential as a promising anode candidate for lithium ion batteries. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.