Sponge-like mesoporous CuO ribbon clusters as high-performance anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Hemispherical CuO clusters assembled by mesoporous nanocrystal ribbons are directly grown on Ni foam. As anode material of lithium-ion batteries, CuO ribbon clusters exhibit high specific capacity, high stability, and good rate performance, superior to commercial CuO powder. At 0.2 C, after 50 cycles, the discharge capacities are still 3 times that of commercial CuO, sustaining 81% discharge capacity of the 2nd cycle. At 0.5–4 C, the discharge capacity is 206–572 mAh g−1. The improved electrochemical performances result from the unique nano-assembled structure.

► Nanocrystal-assembled sponge-like mesoporous CuO ribbon clusters. ► The small size, large specific surface and tight contact of CuO nanocrystalline lead to high discharge capacity and enhanced rate performance. ► The 3-d network mesoporous structure well buffers the volume variations, enhancing cycling stability of CuO.