Unique 1D Co ₃O₄ crystallized nanofibers with (220) oriented facets as high-performance lithium ion battery anode material

A novel one-step hydrothermal and calcination strategy was developed to synthesize the unique 1D oriented Co ₃O₄ crystal nanofibers with (220) facets on the carbon matrix derived from the natural, abundant and low cost wool fibers acting as both carbon precursor and template reagent. The resultant W2@Co ₃O₄ nanocomposite exhibited very high specific capacity and favorable high-rate capability when used as anode material of lithium ion battery. The high reversible Li + ion storage capacity of 986 mAh g^-1 was obtained at 100 mA^-1 after 150 cycles, higher than the theoretical capacity of Co ₃O₄ (890 mAh g^-1). Even at the higher current density of 1 A g^-1, the electrode could still deliver a remarkable discharge capacity of 720 mAh g^-1 over 150 cycles.