Mesoporous Co3O4 sheets/3D graphene networks nanohybrids for high-performance sodium-ion battery anode

Co3O4 mesoporous nanosheets/three-dimensional graphene networks (Co3O4 MNS5/3DGNs) nanohybrids have been successfully synthesized and investigated as anode materials for sodium ion batteries (SIBs). Microstructure characterizations have been performed to confirm the 3DGNs and Co3O4 MNSs nanostructures. It has been found that the present Co3O4 MNSs/3DGNs nanohybrids exhibit better SIB performance with enhanced reversible capacity, good cycle performance and rate capability as compared to Co(3)0O(4) MNSs and Co3O4 nanoparticles. The improved electrochemical performance is considered due to the mesoporous nature of the products, the addition of 3DGNs, 3D assembled hierarchical architecture and decrease in volume expansion during cycling. Thus, SIB is considered as a low cost alternative to LIBs for large-scale electric storage applications. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.