Publication

Abstract : K-doped Co3O4 was prepared by a solvothermal method in polyol medium{,} followed by annealing at a low temperature of 400 [degree]C for 5 h. The obtained samples were characterized by the synchrotron X-ray diffraction pattern{,} field-emission scanning electron microscopy{,} energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy{,} field-emission transmission electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. Synchrotron XRD analysis demonstrates that the K+ ion doping caused no change in the phase structure{,} and a highly crystalline KxCo3-xO4-[small delta] (x = 0.08) powder without any impurity was obtained. When applied as the anode material{,} the K+-doped Co3O4 electrode exhibits a much better rate capability and cycling stability{,} and could retain a charge capacity of 351.3 mA h g-1 at 3 C{,} while undoped Co3O4 exhibits only 144.3 mA h g-1 at the same rate. In addition{,} the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy also reveals that the K+-doped Co3O4 electrode has the highest electronic conductivity compared to an undoped sample. However{,} the improvement in the doped sample is due to the influence of K+ ions on the increased electronic conductivity{,} diffusion efficiency{,} and kinetic properties of Co3O4 during the lithiation and delithiation process. This material shows promising potential for use in high-rate anodes for lithium-ion batteries.