Three-Dimensional Precursor-Derived Synthesis of Co3O4 Towards High Electrochemical Performance

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) cobalt oxide (Co3O4) flowers with different shapes were prepared by a facile hydrothermal synthesis. The morphology of Co3O4 precursors has adjusted obviously from acicular shapes to acicular-sheet-like flowers and then to sheet-like flowers by changing reaction temperature and solution concentration. After annealing, as-prepared precursors were converted into 3D flower-like Co3O4 samples and their morphology and sizes were well preserved. The effect of experimental conditions on growth of Co3O4 precursors was explored and the growth mechanism was proposed. Moreover, the electrochemical properties of various Co3O4 with different shapes were tested. The result of electrochemical investigation indicates that 3D flower-like Co3O4 assembled by sheets exhibited high capacitance and excellent cycling performance.