Facile one-step synthesis of Cu2O@Cu sub-microspheres composites as anode materials for lithium ion batteries

Cu2O@Cu sub-microspheres composites with a narrow particle size distribution from 300 to 500 nm was successfully fabricated by one-step synthesis through the direct thermal decomposition of copper nitrate (Cu(NO3)2) in octadecylamine (ODA) solvent. As anode materials for lithium ion batteries, the Cu2O@Cu composites obviously possess high specific capacity, excellent cyclic stability and rate capability. The coulombic efficiency is about 84% in the 1 st cycle and increases significantly up to 97.8% during successive cycles at various current densities. Even under a high current density of 500 mA g−1, the discharge capacity of Cu2O@Cu composites remains up to 200 mAh g−1. The excellent electrochemical properties are ascribed to the synergistic effect between high electronic conductivity and volume-buffering capacity of metallic copper composited with Cu2O.