CuO nanostructures supported on Cu substrate as integrated electrodes for highly reversible lithium storage

Arrays of CuO nanostructures, including nanorods and nanosheets, supported on a Cu substrate have been rationally fabricated from their morphology-controlled Cu₂(OH)₃NO₃ precursors by thermal annealing. The as-prepared CuO samples can be directly used as integrated electrodes for lithium-ion batteries without the addition of other ancillary materials such as carbon black or a binder to enhance electrode conductivity and cycling stability. The unique nanostructural features endower them excellent electrochemical performance as demonstrated by high capacities of 450-650 mAh g^-1 at 0.5-2 C and almost 100% capacity retention over 100 cycles after the second cycle.