This invention provides a
cobalt tetroxide with a compact inner structure and a loose outer structure, its preparation method, and its application. The preparation method includes the following steps: first, a reaction solution containing seed crystals is prepared; then, a second
cobalt-aluminum mixed
salt solution and a second precipitant solution are co-flowed into the reaction solution containing seed crystals to perform a
crystal growth stage, obtaining a reaction solution containing a first intermediate; subsequently, a
salt solution containing doped elements, a third
cobalt-aluminum mixed
salt solution, and a third precipitant solution are co-flowed into the reaction solution containing the first intermediate to perform a second co-
precipitation reaction, obtaining a second intermediate; finally, the intermediate is calcined to obtain the cobalt tetroxide with a compact inner structure and a loose outer structure. This preparation method, by controlling the
reaction conditions in stages, obtains a cobalt tetroxide with a compact inner structure and a loose outer structure, meeting the requirements for high tap density, high structural strength, and good
conductivity, thereby improving the
energy density and electrochemical performance of
lithium-
ion batteries.