Designed synthesis of cobalt-oxide-based nanomaterials for superior electrochemical energy storage devices

Cobalt oxides, such as Co3O4 and CoO, have received increased attention as potential anode materials for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) owing to their high theoretical capacity. Nanostructure engineering has been demonstrated as an effective approach to improve the electrochemical performance of electrode materials for LIBs. In this review, we summarize recent development in the rational design and fabrication of various cobalt oxide-based nanomaterials and their lithium storage performance, including 1D nanowires/belts, 2D nanosheets, 3D hollow/hierarchical structures, hybrid nanostructures with carbon (amorphous carbon, carbon nanotubes and graphene) and mixed metal oxides. By focusing on the structure effects on their electrochemical performance, effective strategies for the fabrication of cobalt oxide/carbon hybrid nanostructures are highlighted. This review shows that by rational design, these cobalt-oxide-based nanomaterials are very promising as next generation LIBs’ anodes.