Synthesis of hierarchical lamellar Co3O4–CoMoO4 heterostructures for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

From the view of nanostructures, hierarchical lamellar heterostructures are one of the ideal candidates for high-performance electrode materials. Herein, hierarchical lamellar Co₃O₄–CoMoO₄ heterostructures (Co₃O₄–CoMoO₄ HLHs) are synthesized via a facile solvothermal approach with subsequent annealing treatment. The obtained HLHs consist of lamellar parallel stacked CoMoO₄ nanosheets, where Co₃O₄ nanoflakes uniformly grow into an array on the surface of CoMoO₄ nanosheets. The formation mechanism of Co₃O₄–CoMoO₄ HLHs can be attributed to the sequential precipitation of CoMoO₄ and Co₃O₄ precursors during the solvothermal process. The early nucleated parallel stacked 2D nanosheets serve as templates for the growth of Co hydroxide nanoflake arrays. Owing to the structural advantage, the as-obtained Co₃O₄–CoMoO₄ HLHs endow the constructed electrode with enhanced electrochemical activity, high specific capacity and long-term cycling stability.