Topochemical transformation of Co(ii) coordination polymers to Co3O4 nanoplates for high-performance lithium storage

Abstract

Coordination polymer (CP) templated synthesis of metal oxides has been researched intensively for applications in enhanced electrochemical energy storage and improved catalytic activity. In this manuscript, we demonstrate, for the first time, a topochemical transformation route to synthesize novel layered Co₃O₄ nanoplates using lamellar structured cobalt-based CPs as a template for optimized lithium-ion battery applications. Endowed with the synergistic advantages of 2D layered textural features and highly exposed reactive (111) crystal planes, the Co₃O₄ nanoplates exhibit remarkably enhanced lithium storage performance, including fast and high level lithium storage (852 mA h g⁻¹ at 500 mA g⁻¹ after 100 cycles), good rate capability (597 mA h g⁻¹ at 1000 mA g⁻¹ after 100 cycles) and stable cyclability (up to 200 cycles).