Controlling morphology and enhancing electrochemical performance of cobalt oxide by addition of graphite

Co3O4 nanowire, nanoparticle network, and Co3O4/graphite nanocomposite were synthesized via a hydrothermal route accompanied with a post-annealing step. The Co3O4 nanowire was formed without adding graphite; after introducing graphite, the morphology of the Co3O4 nanocomposite changed to a network through the partial overlapping of nanoparticles. The electrochemical properties of the samples were studied as anode materials in lithium-ion batteries. The Co3O4/graphite nanocomposite outperforms two different pure Co3O4 samples by showing superior Li-battery performance with dramatically enhanced cyclic performance at a current density of 500 mA/g and excellent rate performance. Its reversible capacity remains as high as 551 mA h/g after 50th cycle.

► This paper analyses Co3O4 and Co3O4 with graphite composite for Li-ion battery.
► Graphite is found to change the morphology of Co3O4 from nanowires to nanoparticle networks.
► Graphite is found to enhance the electrochemical performance of Co3O4.