Electrochemical Performance of Co3O4–C Composite Anode Materials

S. A. Needham, University of Wollongong
G. X. Wang, University of Wollongong
K. Konstantinov, University of Wollongong
Y. Tournayre, University of Wollongong
Z. Lao, University of Wollongong
H. K. Liu, University of Wollongong

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This articles was originally published as Needham, SA, Wang, GX, Konstantinov, K et al, Electrochemical Performance of Co3O4–C Composite Anode Materials, Electrochemical and Solid-State Letters, 9(7), 2006, A315-A319. Copyright The Electrochemical Society. Original journal available here.

Abstract

Co3O4–C composite powder has been synthesized via spray pyrolysis of cobalt nitrate-sugar solution at 600°C and assessed for application as anode materials in Li-ion batteries. Microstructural characterization by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirm an even distribution of carbon throughout particles, as well as the presence of a carbon-based surface sheath surrounding Co3O4–C particle agglomerates. Charge-discharge cycling of half-cells indicates a stable reversible discharge capacity above 800 mAh g−1. Equivalent circuit modeling of Nyquist plots show the Co3O4–C electrode has significant kinetic advantages over non-composite transition metal oxide electrodes.