Facile and controllable one-pot synthesis of an ordered nanostructure of Co(OH)2 nanosheets and their modification by oxidation for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

Hybrids of Co(OH)2 nanosheets (NSs) and Co3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) are synthesized by a facile hydrothermal strategy, wherein the Co(OH)2 NSs form a flower-like structure and the Co3O4 NPs are embedded on the interlayer surfaces of the Co(OH)2 NSs. The morphology, microstructure and composition of the hybrid can be tuned by the reaction time. When tested as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, these ordered hybrid nanostructures of Co(OH)2 NSs/Co3O4 NPs manifest significantly enhanced Li storage properties, including a high reversible capacity, long cycle life, and superior rate performance. The obtained promising performance could be attributed to the unique microstructure and the synergistic effect of the corresponding chemical composition in the nanocomposite.