Controlling morphology and enhancing electrochemical performance of cobalt oxide by addition of graphite

Co₃O₄ nanowire, nanoparticle network, and Co ₃O₄/graphite nanocomposite were synthesized via a hydrothermal route accompanied with a post-annealing step. The Co ₃O₄ nanowire was formed without adding graphite; after introducing graphite, the morphology of the Co₃O₄ nanocomposite changed to a network through the partial overlapping of nanoparticles. The electrochemical properties of the samples were studied as anode materials in lithium-ion batteries. The Co₃O ₄/graphite nanocomposite outperforms two different pure Co ₃O₄ samples by showing superior Li-battery performance with dramatically enhanced cyclic performance at a current density of 500 mA/g and excellent rate performance. Its reversible capacity remains as high as 551 mA h/g after 50th cycle.