Metal coordination polymer derived mesoporous Co₃O₄ nanorods with uniform TiO₂ coating as advanced anodes for lithium ion batteries

In this work, a one-dimensional Co₃O₄@TiO₂ core-shell electrode material with superior electrochemical performance is fabricated by a convenient and controllable route. The approach involves two main steps: the homogeneous deposition of polydopamine and TiO₂ layers in sequence on the cobalt coordination polymer and the thermal decomposition of the polymer matrix. The as-prepared electrode material can achieve excellent electrochemical properties and stability as an anode material for lithium ion batteries, such as a high specific capacity of 1279 mA h g^-1, good cycling stability (around 803 mA h g^-1 at a current density of 200 mA g^-1 after 100 cycles), and stable rate performance (around 520 mA h g^-1 at a current density of 1000 mA g^-1). This dramatic electrochemical performance is mainly attributed to the excellent structural characteristics, which could improve the electrical conductivity and lithium ion mobility, as well as electrolyte permeability and architectural stability during cycling.