Three-dimensional hierarchical Co3O4/CuO nanowire heterostructure arrays on nickel foam for high-performance lithium ion batteries

• Published in: Nano energy Vol. 6; pp. 19 - 26
• Main Authors: Wang, Jiexi, Zhang, Qiaobao, Li, Xinhai, Xu, Daguo, Wang, Zhixing, Guo, Huajun, Zhang, Kaili
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier Ltd 01.05.2014; Elsevier
• Subjects: Anode; Applied sciences; Cobalt oxide; Copper oxide; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells; Exact sciences and technology; Heterostructure array; Lithium-ion battery; Materials; Materials science; Nanocrystalline materials; Nanoscale materials and structures: fabrication and characterization; Physics; Quantum wires; Cobalt oxide; Heterostructure array; Lithium-ion battery; Anode; Copper oxide; Lithium ion batteries; High performance; Nanosheet; Core shell structure; Reversible capacity; Lithium battery; Array; Three dimensional model; Foam; Nickel; Nanowires; Nanostructured materials; Heterostructures
• ISSN: 2211-2855
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2014.02.012

Novel three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical Co3O4/CuO nanowire (NW) arrays on nickel foam composed of CuO NW stems and Co3O4 nanosheet branches are synthesized by combining a facile, scalable, and cost-effective thermal oxidation method with a simple but powerful chemical bath deposition followed by a calcination process. These arrays are further investigated as binder- and conductive-agent-free anodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The smart hybridization of CuO NWs and Co3O4 nanosheets into hierarchical core/shell array configuration results in remarkably enhanced electrochemical performances with good cycle performance, high reversible capacity, and excellent rate capability compared with pure CuO NW and single net-like Co3O4 nanosheets. A high reversible capacity of 1191mAhg−1 with 90.9% capacity retention after 200 cycles at a current density of 200mAg−1, and reversible capacity up to 810mAhg−1 even after 500 cycles at a current density as high as 1000mAg−1 can be maintained. The superior electrochemical performances of electrodes composed of hierarchical Co3O4/CuO NW arrays connected directly on nickel foam make them potential anode materials for high-performance LIBs. [Display omitted] •Electron beam evaporation followed by oxidation to prepare CuO NWs on Ni foam.•Novel chemical bath deposition of Co3O4 to form 3D CuO/Co3O4 core/shell NW arrays.•Excellent cyclability, high capacity, and good rate capability as used in LIBs.•Synergetic effect of CuO NW core/Co3O4 shell results in remarkable performance.