Three‐Dimensional Mesoporous Straw‐like Co3O4 Anode with Enhanced Electrochemical Performance for Lithium‐Ion Batteries.

Herein, a three‐dimensional (3D) mesoporous straw‐like Co3O4 was prepared via a simple hydrothermal synthesis with cobalt acetate as the cobalt source and p‐phthalic acid as the precipitator. The straw‐like Co3O4 comprises lots of superposed nanosheets with thicknesses of 100–150 nm. Co3O4 nanosheets are assembled with irregular nanoparticles and there are a number of holes in the interior of nanosheets. When employed as an anode for rechargeable Li‐ion batteries, 3D mesoporous straw‐like Co3O4 indicates superior electrochemical activities. The discharge specific capacity maintains in about 1194 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 400 mA g−1. This straw‐like Co3O4 also delivers a high capacity of 956 mAh g−1 after 60 cycles at 800 mA g−1. The capacitive and diffusion behaviors are responsible for the superior Li+ storage of 3D mesoporous straw‐like Co3O4. The facile synthesis method and good electrochemical performances make the 3D mesoporous straw‐like Co3O4 a good candidate with enhanced electrochemical performance for Li‐ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]