Facile synthesis of a Co3V2O8 interconnected hollow microsphere anode with superior high-rate capability for Li-ion batteries

Hollow microspheres with a high surface area, sufficient void space, and short ion/electron transport distance have attracted much attention as a superior electrode structure for high-rate lithium-ion batteries. In this work, a facile and low-cost hydrothermal approach followed by annealing is developed to synthesize Co3V2O8 interconnected hollow microspheres, which are able to endure an extremely high current density of 20 A g(-1) and achieve a reversible discharge capacity of 320 mA h g(-1). Furthermore, a stable capacity of 424 mA h g(-1) can be obtained after 300 cycles at 10 A g(-1). Such remarkable rate capability and cycling performance make the Co3V2O8 interconnected hollow microspheres a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries.