Facile synthesis of Co3V2O8 nanoparticle arrays on Ni foam as binder-free electrode with improved lithium storage properties

The Co3V2O8 nanoparticle arrays on Ni foam were synthesized by a simple one-step procedure using a low-temperature hydrothermal method. This architecture consisted of ultrafine Co3V2O8 nanoparticles with a mean size of 30-60 nm, which covered homogeneously onto the porous Ni foam, forming a uniform film-like morphology. The Co3V2O8 nanoparticles not only provided sufficient electro-active interactions for Li-storages reaction, but also had good mechanical contact with the Ni foam, hence improving reaction kinetics and enhancing electrode integrity. When used as a new sort of binder-free anode for Li-ion batteries (LIBs), this unique electrode delivered high initial discharge capacity of 1586.9 mA h g−1 at 200 mA g−1 and retained at 1289 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles, and the discharge capacity maintained at 1004.4 mA h g−1 after 800 cycles at 500 mA g−1. Even when the current was 10 A g−1, discharge capacity of 471.4 mA h g−1 could be achieved. In addition, the charge/discharge mechanism of Co3V2O8 based on conversion and intercalation reaction routes were verified by ex-situ XRD diffraction. Therefore, the Co3V2O8 nanoparticle arrays on Ni foam might open a new insight for transition metal oxides as electrode materials for LIBs.