Synthesis of high aspect ratio CuO submicron rods through oriented attachment and their application in lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Here we report a facile and environmentally friendly approach for the synthesis of CuO submicron rods through the polymer-assisted oriented attachment of nanocrystal building blocks along with calcination. The results show that the CuO submicron rods were formed with average diameter of 543 nm and length of 23.9 μm, giving a high aspect ratio of 44, which would enhance electron transfer and lithium ion diffusion rates. When CuO submicron rods were applied as an anode material in lithium-ion batteries, they can deliver a discharge capacity as high as 243 mA h g⁻¹ at current density of 670 mA g⁻¹ after 70 cycles.