Highly reversible Co3O4/graphene hybrid anode for lithium rechargeable batteries

A Co3O4/graphene hybrid material was fabricated using a simple in situ reduction process and demonstrated as a highly reversible anode for lithium rechargeable batteries. The hybrid is composed of 5 nm size Co3O4 particles uniformly dispersed on graphene, as observed by transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The Co3O4/graphene anode can deliver a capacity of more than 800 mA h g−1 reversibly at a 200 mA g−1 rate in the voltage range between 3.0 and 0.001 V. The high reversible capacity is retained at elevated current densities. At a current rate as high as 1000 mA g−1, the Co3O4/graphene anode can deliver more than 550 mA h g −1, which is significantly higher than the capacity of current commercial graphite anodes. The superior electrochemical performance of the Co3O4/graphene is attributed to its unique nanostructure, which intimately combines the conductive graphene network with uniformly dispersed nano Co3O4 particles.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► Co3O4/graphene hybrid is fabricated using a simple in situ reduction process. ► The hybrid consists of 5 nm size Co3O4 particles uniformly dispersed on graphene. ► The hybrid showed excellent electrochemical performance as an anode.