Influences of Partial Destruction of Ti-MOFs on Photo(electro)catalytic H2 Evolution by Dominating Role of Charge Carrier Trapping over Surface Area

The design of water-stable photo and electrocatalysts of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for its promising catalytic applications at long-term irradiations or persisted current loads is extremely necessary but still remains as challenging. A limited number of reports on Ti-MOF-based catalysts for water splitting are only available to explain and understand the correlation between the nature of materials and MOFs array. Herein, spherical Ti-MOFs and corresponding partially annealed hollow core-shell Ti-MOFs (Ti-MOF/D) are designed and the correlation with their photo(electro)catalytic water splitting performance is evaluated. The switchable valence state of Ti for the Ti-MOF as a function of molecular bonding is the possible reason behind the observed photocatalytic hydrogen generation and light-harvesting ability of the system. Besides, the defect state, solid core-shell mesoporous structure, and active sites of Ti-MOF help to trap the charge carriers and the reduction of the recombination process. This phenomenon is absent for hollow core-shells Ti-MOF/D spheres due to the rigid TiO₂ outer surface although there is a contradiction in surface area with Ti-MOF. Considering the diversity of Ti-MOF and Ti-MOF/D, further novel research can be designed using this way to manipulate their properties as per the requirements.

Metal Oxide Wrapped by Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites as Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries

The reduced graphene oxide/iron oxide (rGO/Fe₂O₃) and reduced graphene oxide/cobalt oxide (rGO/Co₃O₄) composite anodes have been successfully prepared through a simple and scalable ball-milling synthesis. The substantial interaction of Fe₂O₃ and Co₃O₄ with the rGO matrix strengthens the electronic conductivity and limits the volume variation during cycling in the rGO/Fe₂O₃ and rGO/Co₃O₄ composites because reduced graphene oxide (rGO) helps the metal oxides (MOs) to attain a more efficient diffusion of Li-ions and leads to high specific capacities. As anode materials for LIBs, the rGO/Fe₂O₃ and rGO/Co₃O₄ composites demonstrate overall superb electrochemical properties, especially rGO/Fe₂O₃T-5 and rGO/Co₃O₄T-5, showcasing higher reversible capacities of 1021 and 773 mAhg^-1 after 100 cycles at 100 mAg^-1, accompanied by the significant rate performance. Because of their superior electrochemical efficiency, high capacity and low cost, the rGO/Fe₂O₃ and rGO/Co₃O₄ composites made by ball milling could be outstanding anode materials for LIBs. Due to the excellent electrochemical performance, the rGO/Fe₂O₃ and rGO/Co₃O₄ composites prepared via ball milling could be promising anode materials with a high capacity and low cost for LIBs. The findings may provide shed some light on how other metal oxides wrapped by rGO can be prepared for future applications.

Controllable Synthesis of a Porous PEI-Functionalized Co3O4/rGO Nanocomposite as an Electrochemical Sensor for Simultaneous as Well as Individual Detection of Heavy Metal Ions

The present study focuses on the strategy of employing an electrochemical sensor with a porous polyethylenimine (PEI)-functionalized Co₃O₄/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposite (NCP) to detect heavy metal ions (HMIs: Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Hg²⁺). The porous PEI-functionalized Co₃O₄/rGO NCP (rGO·Co₃O₄·PEI) was prepared via a hydrothermal method. The synthesized NCP was based on a conducting polymer PEI, rGO, nanoribbons of Co₃O₄, and highly dispersed Co₃O₄ nanoparticles (NPs), which have shown excellent performance in the detection of HMIs. The as-prepared PEI-functionalized rGO·Co₃O₄·PEI NCP-modified electrode was used for the sensing/detection of HMIs by means of both square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWV) and differential normal pulse voltammetry (DNPV) methods for the first time. Both methods were employed for the simultaneous detection of HMIs, whereas SWV was employed for the individual analysis as well. The limits of detection (LOD; 3σ method) for Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Hg²⁺ determined using the rGO·Co₃O₄·PEI NCP-modified electrode were 0.285, 1.132, 1.194, and 1.293 nM for SWV, respectively. Similarly, LODs of Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Hg²⁺ were 1.069, 0.285, 2.398, and 1.115 nM, respectively, by DNPV during simultaneous analysis, whereas they were 0.484, 0.878, 0.462, and 0.477 nM, respectively, by SWV in individual analysis.

Rapid and sensitive detection of selective 1,2-diaminobenzene based on facile hydrothermally prepared doped Co3O4/Yb2O3 nanoparticles

In this approach, the performance of a newly developed sensor probe coated with low-dimensional Co₃O₄/Yb₂O₃ nanoparticles (NPs) in rapidly detecting 1,2-diaminobenzene was evaluated by an electrochemical technique. The sensor probe was fabricated by depositing a very thin layer consisting of synthesized Co₃O₄/Yb₂O₃ NPs using a 5% Nafion conducting binder onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The facile hydrothermally prepared Co₃O₄/Yb₂O₃ NPs were totally characterized by conventional methods such as FTIR, UV-vis, TEM, XPS, EDS, and XRD analyses. The fabricated chemical sensor probe was found to exhibit long-term activity, stability in electrochemical response, good sensitivity (5.6962 μAμM^-1cm^-2), lowest detection limit (0.02±0.001 pM), and broad linear dynamic range (0.1 pM to 0.01 mM). The observed performances suggest that the newly introduced sensor could play an efficient role in detecting 1,2-diaminobenzene especially in healthcare and environmental applications on a broad scale.

Electrochemical Sodiation/Desodiation into Mn3O4 Nanoparticles

Mn₃O₄ is considered to be a promising anode material for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) because of its low cost, high capacity, and enhanced safety. However, the inferior cyclic stability of the Mn₃O₄ anode is a major challenge for the development of SIBs. In this study, a one-step solvothermal method was established to produce nanostructured Mn₃O₄ with an average particle size of 21 nm and a crystal size of 11 nm. The Mn₃O₄ obtained exhibits a unique architecture, consisting of small clusters composed of numerous tiny nanoparticles. The Mn₃O₄ material could deliver high capacity (522 mAh g^-1 at 100 mA g^-1), reasonable cyclic stability (158 mAh g^-1 after 200 cycles), and good rate capability (73 mAh g^-1 at 1000 mA g^-1) even without further carbon coating, which is a common exercise for most anode materials so far. The sodium insertion/extraction was also confirmed by a reversible conversion reaction by adopting an ex situ X-ray diffraction technique. This simple, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly synthesis technique with good electrochemical performance shows that the Mn₃O₄ nanoparticle anode has the potential for SIB development.

Investigation on the Electrochemical Performances of Mn2O3 as a Potential Anode for Na-Ion Batteries

Currently, the development of the sodium-ion (Na-ion) batteries as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries has been accelerated to meet the energy demands of large-scale power applications. The difficulty of obtaining suitable electrode materials capable of storing large amount of Na-ion arises from the large radius of Na-ion that restricts its reversible capacity. Herein, Mn₂O₃ powders are synthesised through the thermal conversion of MnCO₃ and reported for the first time as an anode for Na-ion batteries. The phase, morphology and charge/discharge characteristics of Mn₂O₃ obtained are evaluated systematically. The cubic-like Mn₂O₃ with particle sizes approximately 1.0–1.5 µm coupled with the formation of Mn₂O₃ sub-units on its surface create a positive effect on the insertion/deinsertion of Na-ion. Mn₂O₃ delivers a first discharge capacity of 544 mAh g⁻¹ and retains its capacity by 85% after 200 cycles at 100 mA g⁻¹, demonstrating the excellent cyclability of the Mn₂O₃ electrode. Therefore, this study provides a significant contribution towards exploring the potential of Mn₂O₃ as a promising anode in the development of Na-ion batteries.

Self-Assembly of Graphene-Encapsulated Cu Composites for Nonenzymatic Glucose Sensing

Cu has recently received great interest as a potential candidate for glucose sensing to overcome the problems with noble metals. In this work, reduced graphene oxide-encapsulated Cu nanoparticles (Cu@RGO) have been prepared via an electrostatic self-assembly method. This core/shell composites were found to be more stable than conventional Cu-decorated graphene composites and bare copper nanoparticles in an air atmosphere because the graphene shell can effectively protect the Cu nanoparticles from oxidation. In addition, the obtained Cu@RGO composites also showed an outstanding electrocatalytic activity toward glucose oxidation with a wide linear detection range of 1 μM to 2 mM, low detection limit of 0.34 μM (S/N = 3), and a sensitivity of 150 μA mM-1 cm-2. Moreover, Cu@RGO composites exhibited a satisfactory reproducibility, selectivity, and long effective performance. These excellent properties indicated that Cu@RGO nanoparticles have great potential application in glucose detection.

Hybrid Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanosheet Supported Mn-Ni-Co Ternary Oxides for Aqueous Asymmetric Supercapacitors

Hybrid reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanosheet supported Mn-Ni-Co ternary oxides (MNCO) are prepared through a facile coprecipitation reaction with a subsequent calcination process as electrodes for supercapacitors. Electrochemical measurements prove that RGO can significantly improve the supercapacitive behaviors, compared with the pure MNCO electrode. A high specific capacity of 646.1 C g^-1 at 1 A g^-1 can be achieved and about 89.6% of the capacity can be remained at 30 A g^-1 relative to that of the low-current capacity, indicating attractive rate capability of the RGO-MNCO electrode. Moreover, an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) device is fabricated with nitrogen-enriched RGO as the negative electrode and the synthesized RGO-MNCO as the positive electrode. Electrochemical performances investigated at different potential range reveal that the ASC device presents excellent capacitive behavior and reversibility. A maximum energy density of 35.6 Wh kg^-1 at power density of 699.9 W kg^-1 can be delivered. Furthermore, stable cycle capability with 100% Coulombic efficiency and 77.2% the capacitance retention is also achieved after 10000 cycles. The achieved outstanding electrochemical properties indicate that the obtained RGO-MNCO electrode materials are fairly ideal for progressive supercapacitors.

Unusually Huge Charge Storage Capacity of Mn3O4-Graphene Nanocomposite Achieved by Incorporation of Inorganic Nanosheets

Remarkable improvement in electrode performance of Mn3O4-graphene nanocomposites for lithium ion batteries can be obtained by incorporation of a small amount of exfoliated layered MnO2 or RuO2 nanosheets. The metal oxide nanosheet-incorporated Mn3O4-reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposites are synthesized via growth of Mn3O4 nanocrystals in the mesoporous networks of rGO and MnO2/RuO2 2D nanosheets. Incorporation of metal oxide nanosheets is highly effective in optimizing porous composite structure and charge transport properties, resulting in a remarkable increase of discharge capacity of Mn3O4-rGO nanocomposite with significant improvement of cyclability and rate performance. The observed enormous discharge capacity of synthesized Mn3O4-rGO-MnO2 nanocomposite (∼1600 mA·h·g(-1) for the 100th cycle) is the highest value among reported data for Mn3O4-rGO nanocomposite. Despite much lower electrical conductivity of MnO2 than RuO2, the MnO2-incorporated nanocomposite at optimal composition (2.5 wt %) shows even larger discharge capacities with comparable rate characteristics compared with the RuO2-incorporated homologue. This finding underscores that the electrode performance of the resulting nanosheet-incorporated nanocomposite is strongly dependent on its pore and composite structures rather than on the intrinsic electrical conductivity of the additive nanosheet. The present study clearly demonstrates that, regardless of electrical conductivity, incorporation of metal oxide 2D nanosheet is an effective way to efficiently optimize the electrode functionality of graphene-based nanocomposites.

Unique 1D Co3O4 crystallized nanofibers with (220) oriented facets as high-performance lithium ion battery anode material

A novel one-step hydrothermal and calcination strategy was developed to synthesize the unique 1D oriented Co₃O₄ crystal nanofibers with (220) facets on the carbon matrix derived from the natural, abundant and low cost wool fibers acting as both carbon precursor and template reagent. The resultant W2@Co₃O₄ nanocomposite exhibited very high specific capacity and favorable high-rate capability when used as anode material of lithium ion battery. The high reversible Li⁺ ion storage capacity of 986 mAh g⁻¹ was obtained at 100 mA g⁻¹ after 150 cycles, higher than the theoretical capacity of Co₃O₄ (890 mAh g⁻¹). Even at the higher current density of 1 A g⁻¹, the electrode could still deliver a remarkable discharge capacity of 720 mAh g⁻¹ over 150 cycles.

Graphene-Encapsulated Nanosheet-Assembled Zinc-Nickel-Cobalt Oxide Microspheres for Enhanced Lithium Storage

The appropriate combination of hierarchical transition-metal oxide (TMO) micro-/nanostructures constructed from porous nanobuilding blocks with graphene sheets (GNS) in a core/shell geometry is highly desirable for high-performance lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). A facile and scalable process for the fabrication of 3D hierarchical porous zinc-nickel-cobalt oxide (ZNCO) microspheres constructed from porous ultrathin nanosheets encapsulated by GNS to form a core/shell geometry is reported for improved electrochemical performance of the TMOs as an anode in LIBs. By virtue of their intriguing structural features, the produced ZNCO/GNS core/shell hybrids exhibit an outstanding reversible capacity of 1015 mA h g(-1) at 0.1 C after 50 cycles. Even at a high rate of 1 C, a stable capacity as high as 420 mA h g(-1) could be maintained after 900 cycles, which suggested their great potential as efficient electrodes for high-performance LIBs.

Ex situ electrochemical sodiation/desodiation observation of Co₃O₄ anchored carbon nanotubes: a high performance sodium-ion battery anode produced by pulsed plasma in a liquid

Liquid plasma, produced by nanosecond pulses, provides an efficient and simple way to fabricate a nanocomposite architecture of Co3O4/CNTs from carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and clusters of Co3O4 nanoparticles in deionized water. The crucial feature of the composite's structure is that Co3O4 nanoparticle clusters are uniformly dispersed and anchored to CNT networks in which Co3O4 guarantees high electrochemical reactivity towards sodium, and CNTs provide conductivity and stabilize the anode structure. We demonstrated that the Co3O4/CNT nanocomposite is capable of delivering a stable and high capacity of 403 mA h g(-1) at 50 mA g(-1) after 100 cycles where the sodium uptake/extract is confirmed in the way of reversible conversion reaction by adopting ex situ techniques. The rate capability of the composite is significantly improved and its reversible capacity is measured to be 212 mA h g(-1) at 1.6 A g(-1) and 190 mA h g(-1) at 3.2 A g(-1), respectively. Due to the simple synthesis technique with high electrochemical performance, Co3O4/CNT nanocomposites have great potential as anode materials for sodium-ion batteries.

One-dimensional porous nanofibers of Co3O4 on the carbon matrix from human hair with superior lithium ion storage performance

One-dimensional (1D) hierarchical porous nanofibers of Co3O4 possessing of (220) facets on the carbon matrix from human hair (H2@Co3O4) with 20-30 nm in width and 3-5 μm in length are prepared by a facile solvothermal and calcination approach. The well crystallized small Co3O4 particles with the diameter of about 8-12 nm were closely aggregated together in the nanofibers. Electrochemical analyses show that the first discharge capacity of H2@Co3O4 electrode is 1368 mAh g(-1) at the current density of 0.1 A g(-1) based on the total mass of composite. A high reversible capacity of 916 mAh g (-1) was obtained over 100 cycles at 0.1 A g(-1), presenting a good cycling stability. When cycled at a high current density of 1 and 2 A g(-1), the specific capacity of 659 and 573 mAh g(-1) could be still achieved, respectively, indicating a superior power capability.

Synthesis of 2D/2D Structured Mesoporous Co3O4 Nanosheet/N-Doped Reduced Graphene Oxide Composites as a Highly Stable Negative Electrode for Lithium Battery Applications

Mesoporous Co3O4 nanosheets (Co3 O4 -NS) and nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (N-rGO) are synthesized by a facile hydrothermal approach, and the N-rGO/Co3O4 -NS composite is formulated through an infiltration procedure. Eventually, the obtained composites are subjected to various characterization techniques, such as XRD, Raman spectroscopy, surface area analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and TEM. The lithium-storage properties of N-rGO/Co3O4 -NS composites are evaluated in a half-cell assembly to ascertain their suitability as a negative electrode for lithium-ion battery applications. The 2D/2D nanostructured mesoporous N-rGO/Co3O4 -NS composite delivered a reversible capacity of about 1305 and 1501 mAh g(-1) at a current density of 80 mA g(-1) for the 1st and 50th cycles, respectively. Furthermore, excellent cyclability, rate capability, and capacity retention characteristics are noted for the N-rGO/Co3O4 -NS composite. This improved performance is mainly related to the existence of mesoporosity and a sheet-like 2D hierarchical morphology, which translates into extra space for lithium storage and a reduced electron pathway. Also, the presence of N-rGO and carbon shells in Co3O4 -NS should not be excluded from such exceptional performance, which serves as a reliable conductive channel for electrons and act as synergistically to accommodate volume expansion upon redox reactions. Ex-situ TEM, impedance spectroscopy, and XPS, are also conducted to corroborate the significance of the 2D morphology towards sustained lithium storage.

Rapid degradation of methylene blue in a novel heterogeneous Fe3O4 @rGO@TiO2-catalyzed photo-Fenton system

Herein, a ternary nanocomposite with TiO2 nanoparticles anchored on reduced graphene oxide (rGO)-encapsulated Fe3O4 spheres (Fe3O4@rGO@TiO2) is presented as a high efficient heterogeneous catalyst for photo-Fenton degradation of recalcitrant pollutants under neutral pH. Fe3O4@rGO@TiO2 was synthesized by depositing TiO2 nanoparticles on the surface of the Fe3O4 spheres wrapped by graphene oxide (GO) which was obtained by an electrostatic layer-by-layer method. This as-prepared catalyst reflected good ferromagnetism and superior stability which makes it convenient to be separated and recycled. Due to the synergic effects between the different components composed the catalyst, swift reduction of Fe(3+) can be achieved to regenerate Fe(2+). Fe3O4@rGO@TiO2 exhibited enhancing catalytic activity for the degradation of azo-dyes compared with Fe3O4, Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2 or SiO2@rGO@TiO2, further conforming the rapid redox reaction between Fe(2+) and Fe(3+). All these merits indicate that the composite catalyst possesses great potential for visible-light driven destruction of organic compounds.

Supercapacitor electrode with a homogeneously Co3O4-coated multiwalled carbon nanotube for a high capacitance

Cobalt oxide (Co3O4) was homogeneously coated on multiwalled carbon nanotube through a simple chemical deposition method and employed in supercapacitor electrodes. SEM image indicated the uniform distribution of Co3O4 nanoparticles on the surface of the multiwalled carbon nanotube. A maximum specific capacitance of 273 Fg(-1) was obtained at the charge-discharge current density of 0.5 Ag(-1). After 500 cycles of continuous charge-discharge process, about 88% of the initial capacity could be retained.

Cobalt oxide-carbon nanosheet nanoarchitecture as an anode for high-performance lithium-ion battery

To improve the electrochemical performance of cobalt oxide owing to its inherent poor electrical conductivity and large volume expansion/contraction, Co3O4-carbon nanosheet hybrid nanoarchitectures were synthesized by a facile and scalable chemical process. However, it is still a challenge to control the size of Co3O4 particles down to ∼5 nm. Herein, we created nanosized cobalt oxide anchored 3D arrays of carbon nanosheets by the control of calcination condition. The uniformly dispersed Co3O4 nanocrystals on carbon nanosheets held a diameter down to ∼5 nm. When tested as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, high lithium storage over 1200 mAh g(-1) is achieved, whereas high rate capability with capacity of about 390 mAh g(-1) at 10 A g(-1) is maintained through nanoscale diffusion distances and interconnected porous structure. After 500 cycles, the cobalt oxide-carbon nansheets hybrid display a reversible capacity of about 970 mAh g(-1) at 1 A g(-1). The synergistic effect between nanosized cobalt oxide and sheetlike interconnected carbon nanosheets lead to the greatly improved specific capacity and the initial Coulombic efficiency of the hybrids.

Three dimensional metal oxides–graphene composites and their applications in lithium ion batteries

The review focuses on the effects of morphology, composition and interaction of 3d metal oxide–graphene composites on the performances of libs.

Co3O4nanoparticle embedded carbonaceous fibres: a nanoconfinement effect on enhanced lithium-ion storage

Nanoconfined Co₃O₄/carbon fibres were developed by pyrolysis of Co²⁺coordinated regenerated cellulose fibres, which may pave a new way for the scalable synthesis of anode materials for Li ion batteries.

Improving the anode performances of TiO2–carbon–rGO composites in lithium ion batteries by UV irradiation

A three-dimensional TiO₂–carbon–rGO (TCG) composite was fabricated and post-treated with UV irradiation (254 nm) for 0.5 h to improve the anode performances in LIBs.

Co3O4/graphene nanocomposite: pre-graphenization synthesis and photocatalytic investigation of various magnetic nanostructures

For the first time, a novel technique for preparing cobalt(ii) acetyl acetonate [Co(acac)₂] nanostructures has been developed by using the sublimation process.

Ultra-small Co3O4 nanoparticles–reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite as superior anodes for lithium-ion batteries

A facile solution-based method was reported to prepare ultra-small Co₃O₄ nanoparticles–reduced graphene oxide (Co₃O₄–RGO) nanocomposite as anode material for lithium-ion batteries. This Co₃O₄–RGO nanocomposite showed good electrochemical performance.

Graphene wrapping as a protective clamping layer anchored to carbon nanofibers encapsulating Si nanoparticles for a Li-ion battery anode

Carbon nanofibers encapsulating Si nanoparticles (CNFs/SiNPs) were prepared via an electrospinning method and chemically functionalized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APS) to be grafted onto graphene oxide (GO). As a result, the thin and flexible GO, which exhibits a negative charge in aqueous solution, fully wrapped around the APS-functionalized CNFs with a positive surface charge via electrostatic self-assembly. After the formation of chemical bonds between the epoxy groups on GO and the amine groups in APS via an epoxy ring opening reaction, the GO was chemically reduced to a reduced graphene oxide (rGO). Electrochemical and morphological characterizations showed that capacity loss by structural degradation and electrolyte decomposition on Si surface were significantly suppressed in the rGO-wrapped CNFs/SiNPs (CNFs/SiNPs@rGO). Superior capacities were consequently maintained for up to 200 cycles at a high current density (1048 mA h g(-1) at 890 mA g(-1)) compared to CNFs/SiNPs without the rGO wrapping (304 mA h g(-1) at 890 mA g(-1)). Moreover, the resistance of the SEI layer and charge transfer resistance were also considerably reduced by 24% and 88%, respectively. The described graphene wrapping offers a versatile way to enhance the mechanical integrity and electrochemical stability of Si composite anode materials.

Graphene-based nanocomposite anodes for lithium-ion batteries

Graphene-based nanocomposites have been demonstrated to be promising high-capacity anodes for lithium ion batteries to satisfy the ever-growing demands for higher capacity, longer cycle life and better high-rate performance. Synergetic effects between graphene and the introduced second-phase component are generally observed. In this feature review article, we will focus on the recent work on four different categories of graphene-based nanocomposite anodes by us and others: graphene-transitional metal oxide, graphene-Sn/Si/Ge, graphene-metal sulfide, and graphene-carbon nanotubes. For the supported materials on graphene, we will emphasize the non-zero dimensional (non-particle) morphologies such as two dimensional nanosheet/nanoplate and one dimensional nanorod/nanofibre/nanotube morphologies. The synthesis strategies and lithium-ion storage properties of these highlighted electrode morphologies are distinct from those of the commonly obtained zero dimensional nanoparticles. We aim to stress the importance of structure matching in the composites and their morphology-dependent lithium-storage properties and mechanisms.

Nitrogen-doped porous carbon/Co3O4 nanocomposites as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

A simple and industrially scalable approach to prepare porous carbon (PC) with high surface areas as well as abundant nitrogen element as anode supporting materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) was developed. Herein, the N-doped PC was prepared by carbonizing crawfish shell, which is a kind of food waste with abundant marine chitin as well as a naturally porous structure. The porous structure can be kept to form the N-doped PC in the pyrolysis process. The N-doped PC-Co3O4 nanocomposites were synthesized by loading Co3O4 on the N-doped PC as anode materials for LIBs. The resulting N-doped PC-Co3O4 nanocomposites release an initial discharge of 1223 mA h g(-1) at a current density of 100 mA g(-1) and still maintain a high reversible capacity of 1060 mA h g(-1) after 100 cycles, which is higher than that of individual N-doped PC or Co3O4. Particularly, the N-doped PC-Co3O4 nanocomposites can be prepared in a large yield with a low cost because the N-doped PC is derived from abundant natural waste resources, which makes it a promising anode material for LIBs.