title: Template-free synthesis of hollow-structured Co3O4 nanoparticles as high-performance anodes for lithium-ion batteries.
abstract: We have developed a template-free procedure to synthesize Co3O4 hollow-structured nanoparticles on a Vulcan XC-72 carbon support. The material was synthesized via an impregnation-reduction method followed by air oxidation. In contrast to spherical particles, the hollow-structured Co3O4 nanoparticles exhibited excellent lithium storage capacity, rate capability, and cycling stability when used as the anode material in lithium-ion batteries. Electrochemical testing showed that the hollow-structured Co3O4 particles delivered a stable reversible capacity of about 880 mAh/g (near the theoretical capacity of 890 mAh/g) at a current density of 50 mA/g after 50 cycles. The superior electrochemical performance is attributed to its unique hollow structure, which combines nano- and microscale properties that facilitate electron transfer and enhance structural robustness.
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Laboratory for Large-Format Battery Materials and System, Ministry of Education, Huazhong University of Science & Technology , Wuhan, 430074, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Deli
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Yingchao
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.forename: Huan
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: He
authors.forename: Jie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Weidong
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.forename: Hector D
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Abruña
keywords: anode materials; cobalt oxides; electrochemistry; hollowed structure; lithium battery