One-step solution combustion synthesis of CuO/Cu₂O/C anode for long cycle life Li-ion batteries

Using glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and copper nitrate (Cu(NO₃)₂) as fuel and oxidizing agent respectively, CuO/Cu₂O/C composites with different carbon contents were successfully prepared by the solution combustion synthesis method. The as-obtained CuO/Cu₂O nanoparticles exhibited uniform spherical morphology and, by changing the amount of fuel and ambient temperature, carbon was synthesized in-situ with content ranging from 3 to 36 wt%. The electrochemical performance of the CuO/Cu₂O/C anode in Li-ion batteries was investigated systematically, demonstrating >400 mAh g⁻¹ capacity at 20 mA g⁻¹ current density and highly stable cycling performance with capacity 260 mAh g⁻¹ after 600 cycles at current density 0.2 A g⁻¹. This performance is attributed to the synergistic effect of anodes porous structure, conducting carbon coating and two-component CuO/Cu₂O structure. Owing to the inexpensive and facile solution combustion synthesis method and the resulting high electrochemical performance, the CuO/Cu₂O/Carbon composite is a promising anode material for application in Li-ion batteries.