Synthesis and electrochemical performance of nanosized Co3O4

The nanosized anode material Co3O4 for lithium ion rechargeable batteries was synthesized through pyrolysis of the oxalate precursor, which was prepared with rheological phase reaction from cobaltous hydroxide carbonate and oxalic acid. The Co3O4 samples were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and electrochemical testing. The results revealed that the samples exhibited large lithium storage capacities and the reversible capacities are more than 900 mA h·g−1. The influence of particle size of Co3O4 on the capacity and cycle-ability was discussed. The sample showed the best electrochemical property with the average particle size of about 37 nm.