Enhanced Electrochemical Performance of Low-Content Graphene Oxide in Porous Co3O4 Microsheets for Dual Applications of Lithium-Ion Battery Anode and Lithium-Ion Capacitor

Abstract

The enhancement of electrochemical performance in lithium-ion battery (LIB) anode materials through nanostructures is of paramount importance, facilitated by the synergistic integration of these unique architectures with active materials, which increases the availability of active sites and decreases the diffusion path for lithium ions. In this investigation, we successfully synthesized cobalt oxide (Co<inf>3</inf>O<inf>4</inf>) microsheets composed of small nanoparticles (measuring 28–33 nm), employing a straightforward hydrothermal process followed by annealing. Furthermore, to enhance the composite’s ability to endure volume changes and increase its electrical conductivity, we created a Co<inf>3</inf>O<inf>4</inf>/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composite embedding a judicious amount of graphene oxide (GO). This engineered composite exhibited remarkable specific discharge capacity of 1081 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1, a substantial improvement over the pristine material’s capacity of 718 mAh g−1. The composite demonstrated reduced irreversible capacity loss relative to the pristine counterpart and approached a reversible capacity of nearly 99%. Even after 400 cycles under the demanding conditions of high current density of 500 mA g−1, the composite managed to retain 81% of its initial capacity, underscoring its exceptional cycling stability. Moreover, the application of the Co<inf>3</inf>O<inf>4</inf>/rGO//carbon black (CB) assembly in lithium-ion capacitors (LIC) yielded notable energy density of 15.6 Wh kg−1 at elevated power density of 1007 W kg−1. These LIC devices demonstrated robust cyclic stability across extended cycles, sustaining 56% of their initial capacity after 2000 cycles while operating at a current density of 2 A g−1. Graphical Abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]. © 2024, The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society.