High areal capacity Li ion battery anode based on thick mesoporous Co3O4 nanosheet networks

•The thick mesoporous Co3O4 nanosheet networks were fabricated on Ni foam by a simple method.•The prepared electrode exhibits both high specific capacity (1058 mAh g−1) and high area capacity (4.39 mAh cm−2).•The prepared electrode exhibits excellent rate capability and cycling stability.

An advanced electrode for high areal capacity Li ion battery anode has been designed by growing ultra thick mesoporous Co3O4 nanosheet networks on Ni foam. This noval architecture consists of mesoporous Co3O4 nanosheets, which are interconnected with each other to form macropores. Benefiting from the favorable macro/meso-porous structures as well as the large mass loading of the synthesized Co3O4 on three dimensional foam, this unique electrode exhibits an areal capacity as high as 4.39 mAh cm−2 and excellent rate capability and cycling stability.

Graphical abstractAn advanced electrode for high areal capacity Li ion battery anode has been designed by growing thick mesoporous Co3O4 nanosheet networks on Ni foam.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide