In situ construction of flower-like CoP-in-carbon anode materials for high-rate and long-term lithium ion batteries

Abstract

Flower-like CoP/C nanocomposites composed of CoP-in-carbon nanopetals are successfully synthesized through a simple acetate assisted solvothermal synthesis of Co-propanediol alkoxide nanoflowers and subsequent in situ transformation. The experimental results reveal that the self-regulation of Co-propanediol alkoxide directed by acetate molecules during the polymerization process plays a key role in the formation of flower-like Co-propanediol alkoxide. Thanks to the unique architecture, the CoP/C nanoflowers demonstrate excellent rate capability and long-term cycling stability, including a high capacity of 963.9 mA h g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹ after 200 cycles and 720.5 mA h g⁻¹ at 4 A g⁻¹ over 1000 cycles. Our method not only achieves a harmonious balance between the rate capability, cycle life and production cost, but also provides a new insight to design advanced anode materials for energy storage devices.