Synthesis of Co3O4/VG/CNT Composite Microspheres with Excellent Lithium Storage Performance

In order to improve the conductivity of Co3O4, Co3O4/VG/CNT composite microspheres were prepared by facile spray drying method and subsequently plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition method. A three-dimensional conductivity network was constructed by vertical graphenes and CNTs distributed throughout the microspheres, the transmission of electrons was greatly promoted, excellent rate performance was realized, and the high average reversible specific capacity of 526 mA h g–1 was still retained at 1000 mA g–1. Besides, thanks to the abundant pores distributed in the whole microspheres, the stress could be greatly released during the repeated charging/discharging processes, long cycling stability could be achieved, and the reversible specific capacity as high as 396 mA h g–1 was retained after 1000 cycles at 800 mA g–1. The preparation of Co3O4/VG/CNT composite microspheres can provide a new idea for high-performance lithium-ion battery anode materials.