title: Template-free synthesis of mesoporous hollow CuO microspheres as anode materials for Li-ion batteries.
abstract: We report the preparation and characterization of mesoporous hollow CuO (MPH-CuO) microspheres by thermal decomposition of hollow copper oxalate microspheres synthesized via the reaction of ammonium oxalate and copper chloride without using any template. The sample was characterized by Nitrogen adsorption, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The electrochemical performance of MPH-CuO microspheres as anode materials in Li-ion batteries was evaluated. It was found that the MPH-CuO microspheres possessed an average diameter of 2.5 microm, a pore size of 17.5 nm, and a BET surface area of 15.2 m2/g. Their shells were composed of CuO nanocrystals with a size of 17.9 nm. Compared with the dense CuO microspheres, the obtained MPH-CuO shows an enhanced electrochemical performance with a higher capacity of 599.4 mAh/g and a better cyclability (484 mAh/g after 15 cycles) because of its mesoporous hollow structure that provides quick intercalation and large accommodation of lithium ions together with short diffusion distance for lithium ions, suggesting a potential application in Li-ion batteries.
authors: College of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266071, China.
authors: Zailei
authors: Z
authors: Zhang
authors: Hongwei
authors: H
authors: Che
authors: Jin
authors: J
authors: Sun
authors: Xilin
authors: X
authors: She
authors: Han
authors: H
authors: Chen
authors: Fabing
authors: F
authors: Su