Nanostructured hybrid cobalt oxide/copper electrodes of lithium-ion batteries with reversible high-rate capabilities

We report the synthesis of nanostructured hybrid CoO/Cu electrodes through electrodeposition and sputtering. When applied as the anodes for lithium-ion batteries, the CoO/Cu nanowire arrays deliver long cycle life and enhanced power performance than CoO/Cu films. The large accessible surface area and improved electronic/ionic conductivity of the nanostructured electrodes may be responsible for the improved performance.

► Nanostructured CoO/Cu electrodes have been successfully fabricated.
► A simple electrodeposition and sputtering approach was employed.
► The Cu arrays offer large surface area and improve electronic/ionic conductivity.
► The electrodes show improved performance as anode for Li-ion batteries.
► The improved performance was attributed to the nanostructured current collectors.