Facile One-Step Solution-Phase Route to Synthesize Hollow Nanoporous CuxO Microcages on 3D Copper Foam for Superior Li Storage

In this report, we develop a simple and effective one-step solution-phase route to in situ synthesize hollow nanoporous CuxO microcages on 3D copper foam. When used as an anode for lithium-ion batteries, the unique 3D electrode exhibits superior Li storage properties with a first reversible capacity of 2.82 mAh cm(-2) and 78.4% capacity retention after 400 cycles at 2 mA cm(-2). The excellent electrochemical performance can be ascribed to the stable hollow structure and robust nanoporous shells of CuxO microcages, as well as in situ growth of microcages on a copper foam substrate with a 3D porous architecture, which is greatly beneficial to buffer large volume changes, increase the loading mass of active material, and boost the binding force between the active material and substrate, as well as shorten the Li+ and electron migration distance.

Automated summary

By in situ synthesizing hollow nanoporous CuxO microcages on 3D copper foam, a novel electrode material with outstanding lithium storage performance is developed, showing a first reversible capacity of 2.82 mAh cm(-2) and 78.4% capacity retention after 400 cycles under 2 mA cm(-2). The excellent electrochemical properties are attributed to the stable hollow structure and robust nanoporous shells of CuxO microcages, as well as the in situ growth on a copper foam substrate with a 3D porous architecture, which effectively buffers large volume changes, increases loading mass of active material, and shortens Li+ and electron migration distance.