CoO nanorod arrays on carbon nanotube foams fabricated by reducing carbon dioxide as high-performance electrode materials for Li-ion batteries

Abstract

We have successfully synthesized 3D carbon nanotube foams through a simple self-assembly method. Taking these carbon nanotube foams as substrates, we have fabricated a novel core-shell structure of CNTF@CoO through a simple heat treatment process. The electrochemical measurements suggest that the composite has excellent electrochemical performances. It shows excellent rate properties and long-term cycling stability with a reversible capacity of about 820 mAh g−1 at the charge-discharge current density of 100 mA g−1. The capacity is as large as 448 mAh g−1 after 1000 cycles at 5000 mA g−1. The excellent performance can be attributed to the high capacity of CoO, the porous structure, and high conductivity of the carbon materials that provides fast ion transport pathways and relieves the strain during charge-discharge process.