We present a simple method of fabricating a hierarchically nanostructured CuO⁻Cu current collector by using laser ablation and metal mold imprinting to maximize the surface area. The laser ablation of the Cu current collector created the CuO nanostructure on the Cu-collector surface. The microstructure was transferred by subsequent imprinting of the microstructure metal mold on the Cu collector. Then, the laser-ablation nanostructure was formed. Consequently, a hierarchical structure is generated. The laser-ablated hierarchical CuO⁻Cu current collector exhibited an improved capacity while maintaining a cyclability that is similar to those of conventional graphite batteries.
Keywords: CuO; hierarchical current collector; imprinting; laser ablation; oxidation.