One-step solution combustion synthesis of CuO/Cu2O/C anode for long cycle life Li-ion batteries

Abstract

Using glucose (C6H12O6) and copper nitrate (Cu(NO3)2) as fuel and oxidizing agent respectively, CuO/Cu2O/C composites with different carbon contents were successfully prepared by the solution combustion synthesis method. The as-obtained CuO/Cu2O nanoparticles exhibited uniform spherical morphology and, by changing the amount of fuel and ambient temperature, carbon was synthesized in-situ with content ranging from 3 to 36 wt%. The electrochemical performance of the CuO/Cu2O/C anode in Li-ion batteries was investigated systematically, demonstrating >400 mAh g−1 capacity at 20 mA g−1 current density and highly stable cycling performance with capacity 260 mAh g−1 after 600 cycles at current density 0.2 A g−1. This performance is attributed to the synergistic effect of anodes porous structure, conducting carbon coating and two-component CuO/Cu2O structure. Owing to the inexpensive and facile solution combustion synthesis method and the resulting high electrochemical performance, the CuO/Cu2O/Carbon composite is a promising anode material for application in Li-ion batteries.