Novel Heterogeneous Hybrid of Yolk−Shell CuO@CuFe2O4: Facile Synthesis and Enhanced Lithium‐Storage Performance

Abstract

AbstractConstructing heterogeneous components with a yolk−shell structure is highly desirable for improving the lithium‐storage performance of metal oxides, owing to the unique synergies of nanostructures and composite materials. In this work, a novel heterogeneous hybrid of yolk−shell CuO@CuFe2O4 was synthesized through a simple two‐step method. Starting with Cu2O, the yolk−shell precursor was prepared through an interfacial reaction. After subsequent heat treatment of the precursor in air, yolk−shell CuO@CuFe2O4 was obtained. A reasonable mechanism for the formation process of the yolk−shell CuO@CuFe2O4 has been presented. The relatively high electrical conductivity of CuFe2O4, unique yolk−shell structure, and firm shell of the CuO@CuFe2O4 account for the extremely enhanced electrochemical properties compared to bare CuO. In particular, discharge capacities of 505 and 36 mA h g−1 were delivered after 200 cycles at 500 mA g−1 by the yolk−shell CuO@CuFe2O4 and bare CuO, respectively. This work not only provides a promising alternative anode material for lithium‐ion batteries, but also develops a new strategy to design the nanostructure and components of metal oxides for application in lithium‐ion batteries.