The design and fabrication of Co3O4/Co3V2O8/Ni nanocomposites as high-performance anodes for Li-ion batteries

Abstract The Co 3 O 4 /Co 3 V 2 O 8 /Ni nanocomposites were rationally designed and prepared by a two-step hydrothermal synthesis and subsequent annealing treatment. The one-dimensional (1D) Co 3 O 4 nanowire arrays directly grew on Ni foam, whereas the 1D Co 3 V 2 O 8 nanowires adhered to parts of Co 3 O 4 nanowires. Most of the hybrid nanowires were inlayed with each other, forming a 3D hybrid nanowires network. As a result, the discharge capacity of Co 3 O 4 /Co 3 V 2 O 8 /Ni nanocomposites could reach 1201.8 mAh/g after 100 cycles at 100 mA/g. After 600 cycles at 1 A/g, the discharge capacity was maintained at 828.1 mAh/g. Moreover, even though the charge/discharge rates were increased to 10 A/g, it rendered reversible capacity of 491.2 mAh/g. The superior electrochemical properties of nanocomposites were probably ascribed to their unique 3D architecture and the synergistic effects of two active materials. Therefore, such Co 3 O 4 /Co 3 V 2 O 8 /Ni nanocomposites could potentially be used as anode materials for high-performance Li-ion batteries.