Sonochemical synthesis and high lithium storage properties of ordered Co/CMK-3 nanocomposites

A novel ordered Co/CMK-3 nanocomposite was successfully synthesized via the sonochemical method followed by carbonization process. The ordered Co/CMK-3 nanocomposite were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and N-2 adsorption-desorption analysis techniques. The lithium storage properties shows that the Co/CMK-3 nanocomposites exhibit a large reversible capacity and good cycle stability with the capacity of 720 mAh g(-1) after 50 cycles at a current rate of 50 mA g(-1), much higher than that of original CMK-3 electrode. The Co/CMK-3 nanocomposites also demonstrates an excellent rate capability with capacity of 479 mAh g(-1) even at a current density of 1000 mA g(-1) after 50 cycles. The improved lithium storage properties of ordered Co/CMK-3 nanocomposites can be attributed to the CMK-3 could restrain the aggregation of Co nanoparticles, the large surface area of the mesopores in which the Co nanoparticles are formed, as well as presence of Co which played the role of catalyst could promote the lithium storage reaction. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.