Hierarchical structure of Co3O4 nanoparticles on Si nanowires array films for lithium-ion battery applications

The Co3O4@Si nanowires configuration was successfully fabricated by employing the electroless metal deposition (EMD) technology and the following annealing in air. The nanostructure exhibits a uniform Co3O4 nanoparticles grafting on the solution-etched aligned Si nanowires. What is more important, the cost-effective and uncomplicated fabrication strategy as well as the obtained unique architecture will lead to perfect performance in many applications. When functioned as anode electrodes in lithium-ions battery, the Co3O4@Si nanowires configuration displays an excellent Lithium-ion battery performance with larger reversible capacity, more comforting cyclic performance and better rate capability compared with the commercial Co3O4 powders.

► A large-area and well-aligned Si nanowire arrays are fabricated employing electroless-etching procedure. ► Cobalt nanoparticles are grafted onto Si nanowires through the electroless metal deposition method.► The cobalt nanoparticles are converted into cobalt oxide through annealing in the air. ► The as-prepared Co3O4@Si composited nanostructure displays better Lithium-ion battery performance compared with commercial Co3O4 powders.