Nanosphere-rod-like Co3O4 as high performance cathode material for aluminium ion batteries

Aluminium ion batteries are considered to be a promising development for large-scale energy storage and conversion applications. In this research, a nanosphere-rod-like Co 3 O 4 has been synthesized after the hydrothermal reaction and the subsequent heat treatment process , which is used for the cathode materials of aluminium ion batteries. The working mechanisms of the Co 3 O 4 are deeply investigated. It is found that the electrochemical deposition and dissolution of aluminum occurs on the surface of pure aluminium anode, and the Al 3+ cations are intercalated and de-intercalated in the cathode materials during the discharge and charge processes. The battery exhibits a high discharge specific capacity of 490 mAh g −1 at the first cycle, with the current density of 50 mA g −1 . Furthermore, the discharge capacity still maintains a high level of 122.1 mAh g −1 after 100 cycles at the current density of 200 mA g −1 , indicating a good cycle performance. Therefore, the nanosphere-rod-like Co 3 O 4 as the cathode for aluminium ion batteries has a promising potential.