CoP nanoflowers with hierarchical nanosheets as high-performance anodes for Li-ion and K-ion batteries

Abstract CoP nanoflowers (CoP NFs) composed of hierarchical nanosheets are synthesized using a facile method that involves dealloying of CoAl alloys and a subsequent phosphorization process. The prepared CoP NFs exhibit high electrochemical performances as the anode material for both Li-ion and K-ion batteries. The obtained electrochemical performances can be attributed to the rationally designed structure that possesses high surface areas for electrolyte wetting, effective exposure of conversion and ion-storage sites, sufficient free spaces for volume-change accommodation, as well as rapid ion diffusion pathways during charge and discharge.