Controllable synthesis of nanostructured ZnCo 2 O 4 as high-performance anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.

Nanostructured ZnCo 2 O 4 anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been successfully prepared by a two-step process, combining facile and concise electrospinning and simple post-treatment techniques. Three different structured ZnCo 2 O 4 anodes (nanoparticles, nanotubes and nanowires) can be prepared by simply adjusting the ratio of metallic salt and PVP in the precursor solutions. Charge-discharge tests and cyclic voltammetry (CV) have been conducted to evaluate the lithium storage performances of ZnCo 2 O 4 anodes, particularly for ZnCo 2 O 4 nanotubes obtained from a weight ratio 2 : 4 of metallic salt and PVP polymer in the precursor solution. Remarkably, ZnCo 2 O 4 nanotubes exhibit high specific capacity, good rate property, and long cycling stability. Reversible capacity is still maintained at 1180.8 mA h g -1 after 275 cycles at a current density of 200 mA g -1 . In case of rate capability, even after cycling at the 2000 mA g -1 current density, the capacity could recover to 684 mA h g -1 . The brilliant electrochemical properties of the ZnCo 2 O 4 anodes make them promising anodes for LIBs and other energy storage applications.