CuO/C microspheres as anode materials for lithium ion batteries

CuO/C microspheres are prepared by calcining CuCl₂/resorcinol-formaldehyde (RF) gel in argon atmosphere followed by a subsequent oxidation process using H₂O₂ solution. The microstructure and morphology of materials are characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transition electron microscopy (TEM). Carbon microspheres have an average diameter of about 2 μm, and CuO particles with the sizes of 50–200 nm disperse in these microspheres. The electrochemical properties of CuO/C microspheres as anode materials for lithium ion batteries are investigated by galvanostatic discharge–charge and cyclic voltammetry (CV) tests. The results show that CuO/C microspheres deliver discharge and charge capacities of 470 and 440 mAh g⁻¹ after 50 cycles, and they also exhibit better rate capability than that of pure CuO. It is believed that the carbon microspheres play an important role in their electrochemical properties.