Platelike CoO/carbon nanofiber composite electrode with improved electrochemical performance for lithium ion batteries

Platelike CoO/carbon nanofiber (CNF) composite materials with porous structures are synthesized from the thermal decomposition and recrystallization of β-Co(OH)₂/CNF precursor without the need for a template or structure-directing agent. As negative electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries, the platelike CoO/CNF composite delivers a high reversible capacity of 700 mAh g⁻¹ for a life extending over hundreds of cycles at a constant current density of 200 mA g⁻¹. More importantly, the composite electrode shows significantly improved rate capability and electrochemical reversibility. Even at a current of 2 C, the platelike CoO/CNF composite maintain a capacity of 580 mAh g⁻¹ after 50 discharge/charge cycles. The improved cycling stability and rate capability of the CoO/CNF composite electrodes may be attributed to synergistic effect of the porous structural stability and improved conductivity through CNF connection.