Facile synthesis of nanocage Co3O4 for advanced lithium-ion batteries

A facile two-step annealing process is applied to synthesize nanocage Co3O4, using cobalt-based metal-organic framework as precursor and template. The as-obtained nanocages are composed of numerous Co3O4 nanoparticles. N-2 adsorption desorption isotherms show that the as-obtained Co3O4 has a porous structure with a favorable surface area of 110.6 m(2) g(-1). Electrochemical tests show that nanocage Co3O4 is a potential candidate as anode for lithium-ion batteries. A reversible specific capacity of 810 mAh g(-1) was obtained after 100 cycles at a high specific current of 500 mA g. The material also displays good rate capability, with a reversible capacity of 1069, 1063, 850, and 720 mAh g(-1) at specific current of 100, 200, 800, and 1000 mA g(-1), respectively. The good electrochemical performance of nanocage Co3O4 can be attributed to its unique hierarchical hollow structure, which is maintained during electrochemical cycling. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.