CoCO3 submicrocube/graphene composites with high lithium storage capability

The composites of CoCO3 submicrocubes and graphene nanosheets (GNSs) were prepared through a solvothermal route and were tested as anode materials for lithium ion batteries. Profiting from the advantages of GNSs, CoCO3/GNS composites delivered high capacities of over 1000 mAh g−1, much higher than theoretical values based on available lithium storage mechanisms. Instead, we propose an electrochemical catalytic conversion mechanism for lithium storage, in which not only cations (Co2+) but also anions (CO32−) are involved in the electron transfer. C4+ in CO32− is reduced to C0 or other low-valence C under the electrochemical catalysis of newly-generated Co nanoparticles. This new mechanism may provide more clues for exploiting advanced materials for Li ion batteries and other energy storage devices.

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► CoCO3 submicrocube/GNS composites were prepared and introduced as anode materials for lithium ion batteries.
► CoCO3/GNS composites delivered high capacities of over 1000 mAh g–1, much higher than the theoretical values based on the available lithium storage mechanisms.
► Electrochemical catalytic conversion mechanism, involving not only cations (Co2+) but also anions (CO32−) in the electron transfer, was proposed for lithium storage in CoCO3/GNS composites.