Hollow multi-shelled spherical Co3O4/CNTs composite as a superior anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Hollow multi-shelled spherical Co3O4/CNTs composite was prepared by a facile MOF-assisted strategy by introducing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) directly into the precursor. The hierarchical porous structure of the obtained multi-shelled Co3O4 nanospheres can effectively alleviate volume change and facilitate the infiltration of electrolyte into the interior. The interconnected CNTs can reduce the electrochemical polarization by improving the conductivity of the body material. As an anode for lithium ion batteries, the as-synthesized Co3O4/CNTs composite exhibits superior lithium ion storage performance. A high reversible specific capacity of 653.1 mAh g−1 was obtained after 500 cycles at 1000 mA g−1, suggesting a significant inspiration for fabricating application for advanced electrochemical devices.