Abstract:

Novel three-dimensional (3D) mesostructured ZnCo₂O₄ cubes are prepared through a convenient and practical hydrothermal route combined with an annealing treatment. The as-prepared ZnCo₂O₄ cubes range from 3-4 μm in size, and are composed of a large number of nanoparticles and pores. According to N₂ adsorption-desorption measurements, the as-synthesized ZnCo₂O₄ cubes have a high BET surface area (41.4 m²·g^-1) and mesoporous (6.32 nm) nature. Lithium ion batteries (LIBs) are assembled using the as-prepared ZnCo₂O₄ nanomaterial and metallic lithium as the anode and the cathode, respectively, and their lithium storage performance is investigated. The electrode material exhibits highly reversible lithium storage capacity and strong cycling stability at high current density for 100 cycles. More importantly, the ZnCo₂O₄ cube electrode still presents a relatively high specific capacity at high rate. The excellent lithium storage performance is attributed to the novel structure of the 3D mesostructured cubes, which can facilitate Li⁺ diffusion, increase electrode/electrolyte contact area, and endure volume changes the during Li⁺ insertion/extraction process.

Key words: ZnCo₂O₄ nanomaterial, Mesostructure, Three-dimensional cube, Lithiumion battery, Anode material