Lithium storage capability of CuGeO3 nanorods

Highlights: ► We synthesized nanosized CuGeO3 by a facial hydrothermal method for Li battery. ► A high capacity of 690 mAh g−1 at 50 cycles is achieved. ► The capacity is remarkably higher than that of the GeO2 electrode. ► The nanosized CuGeO3 also shows good cyclability. -- Abstract: Copper metagermanate (CuGeO3) nanorods were synthesized through a low temperature hydrothermal method at 180 °C. The as-synthesized CuGeO3 nanorods show a well crystallined nanostructure with diameters in the range from 40 to 70 nm, and a length from 250 to 350 nm. Electrochemical measurements demonstrate that the CuGeO3 nanorods exhibit a first charge capacity of 924 mAh g−1 and 690 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles, which is remarkably improved than the pure nanosize GeO2 electrode. This investigation indicates that CuGeO3 nanorods could be utilized as a high capacity anode material in lithium-ion batteries by reducing particle size and metal oxide addition. The lithium storage mechanisms for the improved capacity retention were also studied.