Nanosized CoO Loaded on Copper Foam for High-Performance, Binder-Free Lithium-Ion Batteries

The synthesis of nanosized CoO anodes with unique morphologies via a hydrothermal method is investigated. By adjusting the pH values of reaction solutions, nanoflakes (CoO-NFs) and nanoflowers (CoO-FLs) are successfully located on copper foam. Compared with CoO-FLs, CoO-NFs as anodes for lithium ion batteries present ameliorated lithium storage properties, such as good rate capability, excellent cycling stability, and large CoO nanoflakes; CoO nanoflowers; anodes; binder free; lithium ion batteriesreversible capacity. The initial discharge capacity is 1470 mA h g−1, while the reversible capacity is maintained at 1776 m Ah g−1 after 80 cycles at a current density of 100 mA h g−1. The excellent electrochemical performance is ascribed to enough free space and enhanced conductivity, which play crucial roles in facilitating electron transport during repetitive Li+ intercalation and extraction reaction as well as buffering the volume expansion