Molten hydroxides synthesis of hierarchical cobalt oxide nanostructure and its application as anode material for lithium ion batteries

Hierarchical Co3O4 nanostructure is synthesized via a self-assembled process in molten hydroxides. The morphologies, crystal structures and the phase transformation processes are analyzed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. As an anode material for lithium ion batteries, the hierarchical Co3O4 exhibit an initial capacity of 1336 mAh g(-1) and a stable capacity of 680 mAh g(-1) over 50 cycles. More importantly, high rate capability is obtained at different current densities between 140 and 1120 mA g(-1). The improved electrochemical performance of Co3O4 could be attributed to the unique hierarchical nanostructure. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.