Facile synthesis of CuO nanoneedle electrodes for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

CuO nanoneedles were prepared by a facile electrochemical reaction. When tested as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, CuO nanoneedles (NNDs) electrode exhibits obviously enhanced electrochemical performance for lithium storage with superior cycling stability and good rate capability. Electrochemical measurements show that the as-synthesized CuO NNDs electrode delivers a gravimetric reversible capacity of 716 mAh g−1 at a current density of 135 mA g−1 after 100 cycle without obvious capacity decaying, and 241 mAh g−1 at 3370 mA g−1 in the rate capability. The high specific capacity, stable cyclability, and rate capability could be attributed to the high surface area of the nano-structured CuO needles, which provides more access for Li+ ion transportation and possesses mechanical flexibility to endure the volume changes during lithium/delithium processes.