Lithium electroactivity of cobalt oxide nanoparticles synthesized using thermolysis process

Nano-sized cobalt (II) oxide nanoparticles with a high crystallinity were synthesized using thermolysis of a Co²⁺-oleate precursor at 310°C. The phase and morphology of as-prepared cobalt oxide nanoparticles were characterized using X-ray diffraction, highresolution transmission electron microscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area measurements. The cobalt oxide nanoparticles were found to be spherical nanoclusters with an average diameter of approximately 200 nm, consisting of tiny nanocrystals (10-20 nm). Furthermore, the Li electroactivites of the cobalt oxide nanoparticles were investigated using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic cycling. The cobalt oxide nanoparticles could deliver high capacities over 420 mA h g^-1 at a C/5 current rate.