Microporous sponge structure with copper-cobalt oxide hybrid nanobranches

A sponge structure featuring a micropore network and nanodendritic wall consisting of Cu-Co oxide core-shell like hybrid nanobranches is reported. First, microporous sponge structure with Cu-Co hybrid nanobranches was formed by hydrogen-templated electrolytic deposition. Next, Cu-Co branches were transformed to Cu-Co(OH)2 branches by selective anodic oxidation of Co. Cu-CoO branches were then obtained by subsequent thermal dehydration. During the selective anodization and subsequent dehydration of the as-deposited sample, the overall structures of micropore network and core-shell like nanodendritic branches were preserved. •Microporous structure with Cu-Co hybrid nanobranch was electrolytically prepared.•Anodic oxidation and dehydration led to Cu-CoO core-shell like hybrid nanobranch.•Overall structure of micropore and nanobranch was preserved during the treatments.