Co₃O₄ Hollow Nanoparticles Embedded in Mesoporous Walls of Carbon Nanoboxes for Efficient Lithium Storage

Confining nanostructured electrode materials in porous carbon represents an effective strategy for improving the electrochemical performance of lithium-ion batteries. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of hybrid hollow nanostructures composed of highly dispersed Co₃O₄ hollow nanoparticles (sub-20 nm) embedded in the mesoporous walls of carbon nanoboxes (denoted as H-Co₃O₄@MCNBs) as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. The facile metal–organic framework (MOF)-engaged strategy for the synthesis of H-Co₃O₄@MCNBs involves chemical etching-coordination and subsequent two-step annealing treatments. Owing to the unique structural merits including more active interfacial sites, effectively alleviated volume variation, good and stable electrical contact, and easy access of Li⁺ ions, the H-Co₃O₄@MCNBs exhibit excellent lithium-storage performance in terms of high specific capacity, excellent rate capability, and cycling stability. © 2020 Wiley-VCH GmbH