Crystal engineering of nanomaterials to widen the lithium ion rocking “Express Way” : a case in LiCoO2

Abstract

Hexagonal LiCoO2 nanomesh is fabricated for the first time based on the low crystal mismatch strategy. From the precursor of (NH4)2Co8(CO3)6(OH)6·4H2O nanosheet to Co3O4 nanomesh and finally to LiCoO2 nanomesh, the crystal mismatch ranges from 0 to 13%, which ensures that the feature of single crystallinity remains in the prepared samples. LiCoO2 nanomesh exhibits combined properties of single crystallinity, mesoporosity, and ultrathin thickness. To the best of our knowledge, no similar results have been reported before in selectively exposing (100) and (010) crystal planes, the rapid rocking planes of the Li ions, for LiCoO2 at almost 100% surface ratio. The enhanced performance in rate capability enables the LiCoO2 nanomesh to be an excellent cathode in Li ion batteries (LIBs).