Self-assembled Co3O4 hexagonal plates by solvent engineering and their dramatically enhanced electrochemical performance

Abstract

In this study, a facile two-phase solvothermal method was used to synthesize Co₃O₄ nanocubes with high crystallinity and narrow size distribution (∼49 nm) for use in lithium-ion batteries. Here, oleylamine (OAm) was chosen as the solvent, surfactant, and reducing agent. After washing with the appropriate organic solvent, the Co₃O₄ nanocubes self-assembled into hexagonal plates with a diameter and thickness of approximately 2.5 μm and 550 nm, respectively. Moreover, with the assistance of dipole–dipole and van der Waals interactions, the Co₃O₄ nanocubes stacked along the [111] direction with their exposed facets attached, leading to their final exposed cross-sectional facet being (111). A possible assembling mechanism is proposed and explained in detail. Furthermore, the self-assembled (111) faceted Co₃O₄ plates exhibited superior electrochemical capacity and stability to those original (001) faceted Co₃O₄ nanocubes for Li⁺ ion storage. Therefore, the solvent engineered self-assembly into secondary structures has proven to be a potential strategy for energy applications.