Unique 1D Co ₃O ₄ crystallized nanofibers with (220) oriented facets as high-performance lithium ion battery anode material

Abstract

A novel one-step hydrothermal and calcination strategy was developed to synthesize the unique 1D oriented Co ₃O ₄ crystal nanofibers with (220) facets on the carbon matrix derived from the natural, abundant and low cost wool fibers acting as both carbon precursor and template reagent. The resultant W2@Co ₃O ₄ nanocomposite exhibited very high specific capacity and favorable high-rate capability when used as anode material of lithium ion battery. The high reversible Li ⁺ ion storage capacity of 986 mAh g ⁻¹ was obtained at 100 mA g ⁻¹ after 150 cycles, higher than the theoretical capacity of Co ₃O ₄ (890 mAh g ⁻¹). Even at the higher current density of 1 A g ⁻¹, the electrode could still deliver a remarkable discharge capacity of 720 mAh g ⁻¹ over 150 cycles.