Three‐Dimensional Mesoporous Straw‐like Co ₃ O ₄ Anode with Enhanced Electrochemical Performance for Lithium‐Ion Batteries

Herein, a three‐dimensional (3D) mesoporous straw‐like Co 3 O 4 was prepared via a simple hydrothermal synthesis with cobalt acetate as the cobalt source and p‐phthalic acid as the precipitator. The straw‐like Co 3 O 4 comprises lots of superposed nanosheets with thicknesses of 100–150 nm. Co 3 O 4 nanosheets are assembled with irregular nanoparticles and there are a number of holes in the interior of nanosheets. When employed as an anode for rechargeable Li‐ion batteries, 3D mesoporous straw‐like Co 3 O 4 indicates superior electrochemical activities. The discharge specific capacity maintains in about 1194 mAh g −1 after 100 cycles at 400 mA g −1 . This straw‐like Co 3 O 4 also delivers a high capacity of 956 mAh g −1 after 60 cycles at 800 mA g −1 . The capacitive and diffusion behaviors are responsible for the superior Li + storage of 3D mesoporous straw‐like Co 3 O 4 . The facile synthesis method and good electrochemical performances make the 3D mesoporous straw‐like Co 3 O 4 a good candidate with enhanced electrochemical performance for Li‐ion batteries.