In situ synthesis of hollow–structured Co3O4/NiCo2O4 hetero–flowers with remarkable lithium storage properties as anode materials in Li–ion batteries

In this work, Co₃O₄/NiCo₂O₄ hetero–flowers with hollow structure are synthesized based on a template–free solvothermal method and subsequent heat treatment in air. The phase composition, crystal structure, micro–/nano–morphology characteristics, specific surface area, pore size and other information of the sample are systematically characterized by XRD, FESEM, HRTEM, XPS, Raman, TGA, ICP–AES and BET. As active materials in the lithium–ion half–cell, the hetero–structured Co₃O₄/NiCo₂O₄ sample exhibits high specific capacity, exceptional cycling stability, and outstanding rate capability. As anode materials in full–cells with commercial LiCoO₂ as the cathode, the cells still can deliver high discharge specific capacities and superior cycling stability, suggesting a good potential application prospect of the as–synthesized Co₃O₄/NiCo₂O₄ sample.