The design and fabrication of Co_3O_4/Co_3V_2O_8/Ni nanocomposites as high-performance anodes for Li-ion batteries

The Co_3O_4/Co_3V_2O_8/Ni nanocomposites were rationally designed and prepared by a two-step hydrothermal synthesis and subsequent annealing treatment. The one-dimensional(1D) Co_3O_4 nanowire arrays directly grew on Ni foam, whereas the 1D Co_3V_2O_8 nanowires adhered to parts of Co_3O_4 nanowires.Most of the hybrid nanowires were inlayed with each other, forming a 3D hybrid nanowires network.As a result, the discharge capacity of Co_3O_4/Co_3V_2O_8/Ni nanocomposites could reach 1201.8 mAh/g after100 cycles at 100 mA/g. After 600 cycles at 1 A/g, the discharge capacity was maintained at 828.1 mAh/g.Moreover, even though the charge/discharge rates were increased to 10 A/g, it rendered reversible capacity of 491.2 mAh/g. The superior electrochemical properties of nanocomposites were probably ascribed to their unique 3D architecture and the synergistic effects of two active materials. Therefore, such Co_3O_4/Co_3V_2O_8/Ni nanocomposites could potentially be used as anode materials for high-performance Li-ion batteries.