In situ synthesis of CoFe2O4–Co rods as anode materials for lithium ion batteries

The CoFe2O4–Co rods with diameters in the range of 300–700 nm and length extending from 1 to 4 μm were synthesized successfully by a facile in situ method. A transmission electron microscopy image has shown that the as-formed CoFe2O4–Co rods are composed of smaller nanocrystallines. The CoFe2O4–Co rods as anode materials for lithium ion batteries indicate high reversible capacity of 574.3 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 in the first cycle, and good rate capability at various current densities between 100 and 1600 mA g−1. The improved electrochemical performance is ascribed to the presence of the metallic Cobalt and the well-designed rod structure.