Co–Fe layered double hydroxide nanowall array grown from an alloy substrate and its calcined product as a composite anode for lithium-ion batteries

Co–Fe layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanowall arrays (NWAs) have been grown directly from a flexible alloy substrate by a facile hydrothermal method. An ultrasonication test of 30 min towards the as-made Co–Fe LDH NWAs has demonstrated their ultra-robust mechanical adhesion to the substrate. In particular, an in situcarbon-source coating (ISCC) on the Co–Fe LDH NWAs was achieved during their in situ growing process conducted in a glucose-containing reaction solution. After annealing treatment in an argon atmosphere, carbon coated Co–Fe mixed oxide NWAs were evolved from thermal decomposition of LDH precursors and carbonization of glucose, and further investigated as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). When tested, the obtained carbon coated Co–Fe mixed oxide NWAs with improved electrical conductivity exhibited superior electrochemical performance in terms of specific capacity and cyclability as compared to a carbon-free sample and a sample made by the previous carbon-coating method. Our work presents an alternative way to fabricate in situ mixed transition metal oxide nanostructures for high-performance LIBs.