Preparation and lithium storage of core-shell honeycomb-like Co₃O₄@C microspheres

Core-shell honeycomb-like Co₃O₄@C microspheres were synthesized via a facile solvothermal method and subsequent annealing treatment under an argon atmosphere. Owing to the core-shell honeycomb-like structure, a long cycling life was achieved (a high reversible specific capacity of 318.9 mA h g^-1 was maintained at 5C after 1000 cycles). Benefiting from the coated carbon layers, excellent rate capability was realized (a reversible specific capacity as high as 332.6 mA h g^-1 was still retained at 10C). The design of core-shell honeycomb-like microspheres provides a new idea for the development of anode materials for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.