Cobalt oxide modified porous carbon anode enhancing electrochemical performance for Li-ion batteries

•Easy preparation process based on hydrothermal method•Unique hierarchical porous structure consisting of porous carbon and Co3O4 NPs•Excellent electrochemical performances as an anode material for Li-ion batteries

A cobalt oxide modified porous carbon has been synthesized via a solvothermal method followed by a simple thermal treatment process. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images reveal that Co3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) with sizes of 20–40 nm are uniformly anchored onto porous carbon (PC). As an anode material for Li-ion batteries (LIBs), the composite exhibits enhanced reversible capacity, excellent cyclic performance, high Coulombic efficiency and good rate capability, which could be attributed to the 3D hierarchical porous structure of PC as well as the small size of the Co3O4 NPs providing convenient and accessible routs for electrolyte diffusion and intercalation of Li ions. Moreover, the interconnective networks of PC could decrease the inner resistance of LIBs and maintain structural stability. Thus the Co3O4/PC composite could be a promising anode material for high-performance LIBs.