Synthesis of hierarchical lamellar Co3O4–CoMoO4 heterostructures for lithium-ion batteries

From the view of nanostructures, hierarchical lamellar heterostructures are one of the ideal candidates for high-performance electrode materials. Herein, hierarchical lamellar Co3O4–CoMoO4 heterostructures (Co3O4–CoMoO4 HLHs) are synthesized via a facile solvothermal approach with subsequent annealing treatment. The obtained HLHs consist of lamellar parallel stacked CoMoO4 nanosheets, where Co3O4 nanoflakes uniformly grow into an array on the surface of CoMoO4 nanosheets. The formation mechanism of Co3O4–CoMoO4 HLHs can be attributed to the sequential precipitation of CoMoO4 and Co3O4 precursors during the solvothermal process. The early nucleated parallel stacked 2D nanosheets serve as templates for the growth of Co hydroxide nanoflake arrays. Owing to the structural advantage, the as-obtained Co3O4–CoMoO4 HLHs endow the constructed electrode with enhanced electrochemical activity, high specific capacity and long-term cycling stability.