Charge-discharge characteristics of nanocrystalline Co3O4 powders via aerosol flame synthesis

Abstract

Nanocrystalline Co 3 O 4 powders were synthesized by aerosol flame synthesis (AFS) method for the anode of lithium ion batteries and the basic electrochemical properties were investigated. The effects of synthesis conditions and heat-treatment temperature on the morphology, crystallite size and electrochemical properties were investigated. As-prepared soot contained Co 3 O 4 , CoO and Co(OH) 2 , which were eventually converted into cubic spinel Co 3 O 4 by post heat treatment. The as-prepared particle size was in the range of 10-30nm and grew to 50-85nm by the heat treatment. With growing particle size and improved crystallinity, charge-discharge capacity and cycle performance were improved and the discharge capacity of the powder heat-treated at 700 o C was 571mAh/g after 30cycles, which was better than Co 3 O 4 powder reported in the previous literature.