CuO nanosheets embedded on carbon microspheres as high-performance anode material in lithium-ion batteries

Because of its high capacity, availability, and environmental friendliness, copper oxide (CuO) is a desirable anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, due to low intrinsic electrical conductivity enormous volume expansion during cycling, the capacity utilization cycle stability CuO remain insufficient battery applications. In this study, we design fabricate three-dimensional (3D) porous carbon@CuO composite (C@CuO) by in situ synthesis nanosheets directly on internal external walls chitin-derived carbon microspheres. Benefiting from hierarchical conductive framework microspheres rational distribution nanosheets, structural are substantially improved charge/discharge process. Thus, C@CuO as LIBs demonstrate reversible 626 mA h g−1 at 100 with retention ∼93% over 200 cycles, stable specific 553 after 600 cycles even current density 1000 g−1, superior rate capability discharge 262 hg−1 5000 g−1. Therefore, study innovatively constructs structure accompanied self-growing LIBs, which may provide new idea 3D carbon/metal hybrids.