Ultra-small CoO nanocrystals anchored on reduced graphene oxide for enhanced lithium storage in lithium ion batteries

In this study, we have developed a facile and simple route for preparation of ultrafine CoO/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanohybrids with tunable particle size and crystallinity for lithium-ion battery (LIB) application. At the optimized calcination time of 60 min, the homogeneous and ultrafine CoO nanoparticles with mean size of 4.5 nm can be intimately attached onto rGO surface to rapidly transport Li ions and electrons. The CoO/rGO exhibits excellent rate capability and high specific capacity of 520 mAh/g at 2400 mA/g. In addition, the capacity can be recovered to 900 mAh/g at 150 mA/g after 60 cycles, indicating the superior electrochemical performance of CoO/rGO for LIB applications.