Cobalt Oxide Nanorods Prepared by a Template-Free Method for Lithium Battery Application

Transition metal oxide-based electrodes for lithium ion batteries have recently attracted much attention because of their high theoretical capacity. Here we report the electrochemical behavior of cobalt oxide nanorods as anodes, prepared by a template-free, one-step electrochemical deposition of cobalt nanorods, followed by an oxidation process. The as-deposited cobalt has a slightly convex columnar structure, and controlled thermal oxidation produces cobalt oxides of different Co/O ratios, while the original shape is largely preserved. As an anode in a rechargeable lithium battery, the Co/O ratio has a strong effect on initial capacity and cycling stability. In particular, the one-dimensional Co@Co_xO_y core shell structure obtained from a mild heat-treatment results in superior cycling stability.