Precursor-directed formation of hollow Co3O4 nanospheres exhibiting superior lithium storage properties

Hollow Co3O4 nanospheres, assembled by nanoplatelets, have been obtained by annealing urchin-like hollow Co(CO3)(0.5) (OH)center dot 0.11H(2)O nanospheres synthesized at room temperature. The as-obtained hollow Co3O4 nanospheres exhibit greatly enhanced lithium storage properties as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.