Rechargeable Co3O4 porous nanoflake carbon nanotube nanocomposite lithium-ion battery anodes with enhanced energy performances

摘要

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes intertwined with porous Co3O4 nanoflakes (Co3O4/MWNT) have been hydrothermally synthesized to form a three dimensional network with superior electrical and ionic conductivity and tested as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The electrochemical measurements on the Co3O4/MWNT composites demonstrated a reversible capacity of 708 mA h g(-1) after 100 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g(-1) and discharge capacities of 773, 805, 698, and 491 mA h g(-1) at current densities of 100, 200, 400, and 800 mA g(-1), respectively. The superior cycling and rate performances were attributed to the formed network structure, in which the entanglement and flexibility of MWNTs buffered the volume change of Co3O4 during the charge-discharge process and improved the electrical conductivity of the electrode.