Co3O4/nitrogen-doped graphene promise high-performance sodium-ion battery anode.

[Display omitted] • The unique Co 3 O 4 / N -GO structure suffices competent stress relaxation and fast Na+ and electron transfer during discharge/charge cycles. • Benefiting from the 2D structure of graphene oxide and N doped, the newly designed Co 3 O 4 / N -GO exhibits a high reversible capacity of 323 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A/g, good cycle capability of 199 mA h g−1 at 1.0 A/g. • The Na-ion storage mechanism, structure changes, and reaction kinetics have been investigated to reveal the outstanding electrochemical property of Co 3 O 4 / N -GO electrode. Co 3 O 4 has been diffusely researched for high theoretical capacities and superior security. However, its poor intrinsic conductivity and serious volume effects during Na-ion insertion/extraction restrict its actual applications. Herein, graphene oxide coated Co 3 O 4 nanoparticle are integrated through a straightforward hydrothermal method and freeze-drying treatment followed by annealing process. The characterization results indicate that the Co 3 O 4 nanoparticles (∼20 nm) were loaded onto N -GO (∼75 nm), and nitrogen element was successfully introduced through urea. The unique Co 3 O 4 / N -GO structure suffices competent stress relaxation and fast Na+ and electron transfer during discharge/charge cycles. Consequently, the Co 3 O 4 / N -GO electrode displays a high discharge capacity of 323 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1. When coupled with Na 3 V 2 (PO 4) 3 (NVP) cathode), the NVP//Co 3 O 4 / N -GO battery exhibits significant energy density (249.9 Wh kg−1) and power density (163.3 W kg−1). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]