Ultrathin-Nanosheet-Induced Synthesis of 3D Transition Metal Oxides Networks for Lithium Ion Battery Anodes

A general ultrathin-nanosheet-induced strategy for producing a 3D mesoporous network of Co3O4 is reported. The fabrication process introduces a 3D N-doped carbon network to adsorb metal cobalt ions via dipping process. Then, this carbon matrix serves as the sacrificed template, whose N-doping effect and ultrathin nanosheet features play critical roles for controlling the formation of Co3O4 networks. The obtained material exhibits a 3D interconnected architecture with large specific surface area and abundant mesopores, which is constructed by nanoparticles. Merited by the optimized structure in three length scales of nanoparticles-mesopores-networks, this Co3O4 nanostructure possesses superior performance as a LIB anode: high capacity (1033 mAh g(-1) at 0.1 A g(-1)) and long-life stability (700 cycles at 5 A g(-1)). Moreover, this strategy is verified to be effective for producing other transition metal oxides, including Fe2O3, ZnO, Mn3O4, NiCo2O4, and CoFe2O4.