Ionic Liquid Mediated Synthesis of Lath Shaped CuO Micro-Assembles as Extremely Stable Anode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries

A novel lath-shaped CuO microassemble consisting of well-crystalized ultrafine nanocrystals was prepared by an ionothermal method with the assistance of ionic liquids (ILs, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate). As anode material of lithium ion batteries, the ILs-CuO exhibits high specific capacity, durability and good rate performance, superior to bare CuO. At a high current density of 1000 mA center dot g(-1), after 100 cycles, ILs-CuO still retains a discharge capacity of 483.2 mAh center dot g(-1). The improved electrochemical performances could be ascribed to the unique microscale lath-shape CuO assembles composed of ultrafine nanostructure.