Electrochemically Active and Stable Carbon-Nanometallic Hybrids

Cobalt Oxide (Co3O4) is one of the most promising magnetic p-type semiconductors and a capable lithium-ion (Li-ion) anode material due to its high theoretical electrical capacity (890 mAh g). Unfortunately, its use has been hampered by issues related to charging and discharging cycles and low rate performance. Researchers have solved these issues by integrating nanostructures, such as nanotubes, hollow spheres, and hexagonal cages, but the associated price tag make these solutions commercially nonviable.

Researchers at Purdue University have used disordered cobalt carbon nanoparticles as a high capacity anode for rechargeable Li-ion batteries. The cobalt carbon hybrids are inexpensively fabricated using starch and glucose as a carbon precursor. The carbon cobalt hybrids fabricated by this method exhibit excellent rate performance and outstanding cyclic stability compared to previous approaches.

Advantages:

-Less expensive

-Excellent cycling stability

-Scalable synthesis of transition metal carbon hybrid electrodes

-Specific capacity above 1000 mAh/g

Potential Applications:

-Electric vehicles

-Smartphones

-Laptop computers

TRL: 2

Intellectual Property:

Keywords: Cobalt Oxide, Co3O4, Li-ion anode material, high theoretical electrical capacity, cobalt carbon nanoparticles, high capacity anode, rechargeable Li-ion batteries, carbon cobalt hybrids, excellent rate performance, outstanding cyclic stability, scalable synthesis, transition metal carbon hybrid electrodes