Issue 5, 2013

Self-assembly of hierarchical star-like Co3O4 micro/nanostructures and their application in lithium ion batteries

Abstract

A novel hierarchical star-like Co3O4 was successfully synthesized from self-assembled hierarchical Co(OH)F precursors via a facile hydrothermal method and subsequent annealing in air. The morphological evolution process of the Co(OH)F precursors was investigated by examining the different reaction times during synthesis. First, hexagonal plates are formed, and then nanodiscs grow on the surface of the plates. Subsequently, dissolution and regrowth of Co(OH)F occur to form the star-like hierarchical structures. Co3O4 obtained from thermal decomposition of the Co(OH)F precursor in air at 350 °C exhibited high reversible capacity as an anode material in lithium ion batteries. The specific charge capacity of 1036 mA h g−1 was obtained in the first cycle at a current density of 50 mA g−1, and after 100 cycles, the capacity retention was nearly 100%. When the current density was increased to 500 mA g−1 and 2 A g−1, the capacities were 995 and 641 mA h g−1, respectively, after 100 cycles. In addition, a capacity of 460 mA h g−1 was recorded at a current density of 10 A g−1 in the rate capability test. The excellent electrochemical performance of the Co3O4 electrodes can be attributed to the porous interconnected hierarchical nanostructures, which protect the small particles from agglomeration and buffer the volume change during the discharge–charge process.

Graphical abstract: Self-assembly of hierarchical star-like Co3O4 micro/nanostructures and their application in lithium ion batteries

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
18 Oct 2012
Accepted
19 Dec 2012
First published
03 Jan 2013

Nanoscale, 2013,5, 1922-1928

Self-assembly of hierarchical star-like Co3O4 micro/nanostructures and their application in lithium ion batteries

L. Li, K. H. Seng, Z. Chen, Z. Guo and H. K. Liu, Nanoscale, 2013, 5, 1922 DOI: 10.1039/C2NR33223J

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