Controllable synthesis of nanostructured ZnCo2O4 as high-performance anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Nanostructured ZnCo2O4 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 ZnCo2O4 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 ZnCo2O4 anodes, particularly for ZnCo2O4 nanotubes obtained from a weight ratio 2:4 of metallic salt and PVP polymer in the precursor solution. Remarkably, ZnCo2O4 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 ZnCo2O4 anodes make them promising anodes for LIBs and other energy storage applications.