Unique synthesis of hollow Co3O4 nanoparticles embedded in thin Al2O3 nanosheets for enhanced lithium storage.

The designed synthesis of advanced nanocomposite architecture is significant for its applications in energy storage, catalysis, sensing, etc. Herein, thin Al2O3 hexagonal nanosheets with encapsulated hollow Co3O4 nanoparticles (Co3O4-HNPs) are successfully synthesized by using Co6Al2CO3(OH)16·4H2O nanosheets as templates followed by a two-step annealing process. When used as an anode material in lithium ion batteries (LIBs), the homogeneous Co3O4-HNP/Al2O3 nanosheet composite exhibits an excellent performance with high reversible capacity and rate capability, and enhanced cycling stability.