Template-assisted synthesis of porous Co3O4 nanosheet with excellent electrochemical performance for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries

The high-performance electrode materials with great rate capability and long cycling life are partly attributed to the microstructure and morphology of the as-prepared electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Here, we report a facile and efficient synthetic method utilizing quantitative filter papers with negligible impurity residues in the calcining process as a sacrificial template to prepare porous Co3O4 nanosheet employed as anode for LIBs. In consequence, it presents extraordinary cycling performance, e.g., superior initial specific capacity of 1326mAh g−1 and a high reversible specific capacity of 1000 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles at a current density of 100 mAg−1. The excellent electrochemical performance is ascribed to the typical porous sheet-like structure facilitating Li-ion diffusion and electron transport and alleviating considerable volume expansion in the process of lithiation/delithiation. Herein, the low-cost and eco-friendly synthetic method of porous Co3O4 nanosheet could provide some enlightenment in practical application for LIBs.