Nanocrystal-Constructed Mesoporous Single-Crystalline Co3O4 Nanobelts with Superior Rate Capability for Advanced Lithium-Ion Batteries

In this paper, one-dimensional (1D) mesoporous single-crystalline Co3O4 nanobelts are synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method followed by calcination treatment. The as-prepared nanobelts have unique mesoporous structures, which are constructed by many interconnected nano-crystals with sizes of about 20-30 nm. And typical size of the nanobelts is in the range of 100-300 nm in width and up to several micrometers in length. The BET surface area of Co3O4 nanobelts is determined to be about 36.5 m(2) g(-1) with dominant pore diameter of 29.2 nm. Because of the ID structure, mesoporous morphologies and scrupulous nano-architectures, the Co3O4 nanobelts show excellent electrochemical performances such as high storage capacity and superior rate capability. The specific capacity of Co3O4 nanobelts could remains over 614 mA h g(-1) at a current density of 1 A g(-1) after 60 cycles. Even at a high current density of 3 A g(-1), these Co3O4 nanobelts still could deliver a remarkable discharge capacity of 605 mA h g(-1) with good cycling stability.