One-step synthesis of CoO anode material for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries

We report a fast method to prepare cobalt oxide (COO) nanoparticles via urea-assisted auto-combustion synthesis at 300 degrees C without any post-heat treatment. The structure and morphology were analyzed by synchrotron X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. As-prepared cobalt oxide is cubic, with spherical particle size in the range of 20-30 nm. Electrochemical measurements were performed using the as-prepared powders as the active material for a lithium-ion cell. As an anode for lithium-ion batteries, the nanoparticles electrode exhibited high discharge capacity and good cycling performance with 98% Coulombic efficiency. The nanoparticle electrode delivered a second reversible discharge capacity of 855.47 mA big and exhibited similar to 66% of capacity retention (565.16 mA big) after 23 cycles. The enhancement of the electrochemical performance is attributed to the high specific surface area, good electric contact between the particles, and easier lithium ion diffusion. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.