Effect of reaction time on the morphology and electrochemical performance of Co₃O₄/Carbon cloth cathodes for zinc-ion batteries

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (AZIBs) show great promise for applications in smart grid energy storage, power tools, and other fields. Among various cathode materials, Co₃O₄ stands out as an ideal candidate. However, while many studies have focused on the synthesis, design, and doping of cathode materials, the influence of synthesis parameters such as hydrothermal reaction time on morphology and electrochemical performance has been less explored. In this study, Co₃O₄/CC cathode materials were fabricated on carbon cloth via hydrothermal reactions with different durations: 3, 4, 6, and 8 hours. The electrode synthesized over 8 hours exhibited the best battery performance. It featured uniformly distributed Co₃O₄ nanowires with a regular surface and small dimensions on the carbon cloth. The corresponding Zn-ion battery demonstrated excellent rate capability and low reaction resistance. Within a voltage window of 0.01–2.2 V, the initial discharge specific capacity reached 108.2 mAh/g at a current density of 1 A/g. After 60 charge–discharge cycles, the specific capacity increased to 142.6 mAh/g, indicating good cycling stability. This work provides optimized hydrothermal reaction conditions for preparing high-performance Co₃O₄ cathodes for zinc-ion batteries.