The construction of CuCo2O4/N-doped reduced graphene oxide hybrid hollow spheres as anodes for sodium-ion batteries

Abstract

The construction of high-capacity anodes is essential for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs), but it remains grand challenges. Here, we have designed a facile and novel strategy to fabricate hierarchical CuCo₂O₄/N-doped reduced graphene oxide (CuCo₂O₄/N-rGO) hollow hybrid nanospheres, which have been further applied as anode materials for SIBs for the first time. Using this strategy, a highly porous structure of CuCo₂O₄/N-rGO was fabricated using mesoporous silica nanospheres as the reaction template. The unique hollow structure of the hybrid nanospheres could not only significantly reduce the energy consumption during the diffusion of sodium ions, but also improve the electrical conductivity. CuCo₂O₄/N-rGO delivered a capacity of 345 mA h g⁻¹ after 50 cycles at 2 A g⁻¹. CuCo₂O₄/N-rGO manifested high capacity and efficiency for sodium storage, excellent cycle stability, and brilliant rate capability.