Search

We report a facile strategy to synthesize carbon nanotubes decorated by mesoporous cobalt oxide (CNT@Co 3 O 4 ). The mesoporous nature of the nanocomposite is confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The data imply 41 wt% mesoporous Co 3 O 4 spheres in the as-prepared material with mean diameters ∼12 nm. The nanospheres are embedded in an interconnected network of carbon nanotubes. The specific surface area of CNT@Co 3 O 4 amounts to 463 m 2 /g. Cyclic voltammetry studies show a high activity of the Co 2+ /Co 0 and Co 3+ /Co 2+ redox couples. The conversion reaction is observed and full theoretical capacity is found in the 2nd cycle while significant capacity fading appears upon further cycling. Decorating mesoporous metal oxide nanospheres onto the interconnected electrically conducting network of carbon nanotubes therefore provides a first step towards an electrochemically active material promising for lithium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]