Nitrogen-Doped Porous Co₃O₄/Graphene Nanocomposite for Advanced Lithium-Ion Batteries

A novel approach is developed to synthesize a nitrogen-doped porous Co₃O₄/anthracite-derived graphene (Co₃O₄/AG) nanocomposite through a combined self-assembly and heat treatment process using resource-rich anthracite as a carbonaceous precursor. The nanocomposite contains uniformly distributed Co₃O₄ nanoparticles with a size smaller than 8 nm on the surface of porous graphene, and exhibits a specific surface area (120 m²·g^-1), well-developed mesopores distributed at 3~10 nm, and a high level of nitrogen doping (5.4 at. %). These unique microstructure features of the nanocomposite can offer extra active sites and efficient pathways during the electrochemical reaction, which are conducive to improvement of the electrochemical performance for the anode material. The Co₃O₄/AG electrode possesses a high reversible capacity of 845 mAh·g^-1 and an excellent rate capacity of 587 mAh·g^-1. Furthermore, a good cyclic stability of 510 mAh·g^-1 after 100 cycles at 500 mA·g^-1 is maintained. Therefore, this work could provide an economical and effective route for the large-scale application of a Co₃O₄/AG nanocomposite as an excellent anode material in lithium-ion batteries.