Preparation and electrochemical performances of cubic shape Cu2O as anode material for lithium ion batteries

Cubic and star-shaped crystalline Cu2O particles were synthesized by reducing the copper citrate complex solution with glucose. The microstructure and morphology of the Cu2O were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The electrochemical properties of the Cu2O as anode materials for lithium ion batteries were measured by galvanostatic charge-discharge tests. The as-synthesized Cu2O particles were 1-2 mu m with narrow distribution and the shape of Cu2O particles had an effect on the electrochemical properties. The cubic Cu2O particles delivered a higher reversible discharge capacity (390 mAh g(-1)) than the star-shaped Cu2O, and also exhibited good cyclability. The star-shaped Cu2O particles presented poor cyclability due to pulverization and deterioration after cycling, but the morphology of the cubic Cu2O particles was stable even after 50 cycles. (C) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.