Facile shape control of nano-coaxial Co₃O₄/TiO₂ arrays and the effect of the microstructure on lithium storage capability

Arrays of self-supported core-shell nanowire have attracted considerable attention with respect to improved capability for electrochemical energy storage. Herein, we report a facile strategy, involving hydrothermal and liquid phase deposition (LPD) routes, to fabricate nano-coaxial Co₃O₄/TiO₂ arrays with intriguing morphologies, architectures, and chemical compositions. When tested as anode materials for lithium ion batteries, these nanohybrids exhibited high reversible capacity, excellent cycling stability and good rate capability. It is assumed that the excellent electrochemical performance originates from the intricate core-shell nanoarchitecture and the coating effect of TiO₂, including improved mechanical/chemical stability and good strain accommodation. The improved lithium ion storage performance of the Co₃O₄/TiO₂ nanostructure indicates its potential application as an anode material for electrochemical energy storage and the potential use of TiO₂ coating for modification of other anode materials.