Cu2O Nanoparticles and Multi-Branched Nanowires as Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Novelty Cu 2 O multi-branched nanowires and nanoparticles with size ranging from ∼ 15 nm to ∼ 60 nm have been synthesized by one-step hydrothermal process. These Cu 2 O nanostructures when used as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries exhibit the excellent electrochemical cycling stability and reduced polarization during the repeated charge/discharge process. The specific capacity of the Cu 2 O nanoparticles, multi-branched nanowires and microscale are maintained at 201.2 mAh/g, 259.6 mAh/g and 127.4 mAh/g, respectively, under the current density of 0.1 A/g after 50 cycles. The enhanced electrochemical performance of the Cu 2 O nanostructures compared with microscale counterpart can be attributed to the larger contact area between active Cu 2 O nanostructures/electrolyte interface, shorter diffusion length of Li + within nanostructures and the improved stress release upon lithiation/delithiation.