Hierarchical three-dimensional flower-like Co₃O₄ architectures with a mesocrystal structure as high capacity anode materials for long-lived lithium-ion batteries

In this work, we rationally design a high-capacity electrode based on three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical Co₃O₄ flower-like architectures with a mesocrystal nanostructure. The specific combination of the micro-sized 3D hierarchical architecture and the mesocrystal structure with a high porosity and single crystal-like nature can address the capacity fading and cycling stability as presented in many conversion electrodes for lithium-ion batteries. The hierarchical 3D flower-like Co₃O₄ architecture accommodates the volume change and mitigates mechanical stress during the lithiation–delithiation processes, and the mesocrystal structure provides extra lithium-ion storage and electron/ion transport paths. The achieved hierarchical 3D Co₃O₄ flower-like architectures with a mesocrystal nanostructure exhibit a high reversible capacity of 920 mA·h·g^-1 after 800 cycles at 1.12 C (1 C = 890 mA·h·g^-1), improved rate performance, and cycling stability. The finding in this work offers a new perspective for designing advanced and long-lived lithium-ion batteries.