Hydrothermal synthesis and high electrochemical performance of ordered mesoporous Co/CMK-3 nanocomposites

A novel ordered mesoporous Co/CMK-3 nanocomposites were successfully fabricated via a facile hydrothermal method. XRD patterns affirmed that the CoCl2 entirely reduced to metal Co. Cobalt particles were well-dispersed and embedded in the mesochannels of the CMK-3 according to the nitrogen adsorption-desorption technique and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images. Electrochemical test shows that cobalt nanoparticle can significantly promote the electrochemical properties of CMK-3 leading to a remarkable enhancement of the reversible capacity, cyclic stability, and rate capacity. The Co/CMK-3 nanocomposites were delivering a high reversible capacity of 674 mAh g(-1) at the current density of 50 mA g(-1) after 50 cycles, which was much higher than that of original CMK-3 (400 mAh g(-1)). The Co/CMK-3 nanocomposites also demonstrate an excellent rate capability. The improved lithium storage properties of ordered Co/CMK-3 nanocomposites can be attributed to the CMK-3 that could restrain the aggregation of Co nanoparticles, the large surface area of the mesopores in which the Co nanoparticles are formed, as well as presence of Co which played the role of catalyst could promote the lithium storage reaction.