Controlled synthesis of uniform ultrafine CuO nanowires as anode material for lithium-ion batteries

A simple solution route is used to synthesize ultrafine Cu(OH)2 nanowires by restraining the morphology transformation of early formed 1D nanostructure. The obtained ultrafine nanowires can be well preserved at a low temperature structure transformation in solid state. As anode material for lithium-ion batteries, the ultrafine CuO nanowires exhibit high reversible capacity, superior cycling performance and improved rate capability. The improved electrochemical properties of CuO nanowires are ascribed to their ultrafine size which lead to the reduced over-potential, extra reversible reactions at low potentials and improved interface performance between the electrode and electrolyte.

► The ultrafine CuO nanowires were controlled synthesized by a simple solution route. ► CuO nanowires exhibit high capacity, superior cyclability and improved rate capability. ► Voltage–capacity curves show larger extra reversible reactions at low potentials in CuO nanowires. ► CV curves show lower over-potential in CuO nanowires.