Co3O4/nitrogen-doped carbon nanoparticles for high-performance Li/Na-ion batteries

Co3O4 has been widely studied for its high theoretical specific capacity. However, its low electronic conductivity and large volume expansion during cycles of insertion/extraction of lithium and sodium are limitations to its practical applications. Herein, Co3O4 nanoparticles loaded onto carbon layers have been designed and investigated for Li/Na-ion batteries’ applications. Nitrogen-doped high structurally connected carbon nanospheres loaded with Co3O4 nanoparticles (Co3O4/N-CNS) were synthesized through hydrothermal method, followed by calcination. Nitrogen element was successfully introduced through urea. As an anode for LIBs, Co3O4/N-CNS delivered a good reversible capacity of 740 mAh g−1 after 150 cycles at 0.2 A g−1. As an anode for SIBs, Co3O4/N-CNS displayed an attractive rate performance (191 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1) and long cycle performance (331 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 0.1 A g−1). Therefore, Co3O4/N-CNS is a promising nanocomposite bifunctional anode material for high-performance LIBs and SIBs.