Yolk-shell Co-glycerate@Fe-Co Prussian blue analogue spheres for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

•Yolk-shell Co-glycerate@Fe-Co Prussian blue analogue spheres.•Co-glycerate reversibly stores Li-ions.•High specific capacity and rate performance, stable cycling performance. Yolk-shell spheres of Co-glycerate@Fe-Co Prussian blue analogue are synthesized by the etching reaction of water towards Co-glycerate spheres and coordination reaction of K3[Fe(CN)6] and Co ions. Co-glycerate@Fe-Co Prussian blue analogue exhibits high reversible capacity and good cycling performance, as anode material of lithium-ion batteries. The discharge capacity can stabilize at about 1100 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 and 600 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1. Even at 5 A g−1, discharge capacity still stabilizes at about 820 mAh g−1. The excellent lithium storage performance indicates that it is a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries.