Microstructure controlled ZnCo2O4/C microhydrangea nanocomposites as highly reliable anodes for lithium-ion batteries

ZnCo2O4/C microhydrangeas with controllable microstructure are successfully synthesized through a simple citrate-guided solvothermal method and following thermal decomposition. The experimental results reveal that the citrate-directed self-regulation of Zn-Co-EG agglomerates play a critical role in the formation of the hydrangea-like precursors. When applied as anode material in lithium ion batteries (LIBs), ZnCo2O4/C microhydrangeas exhibited high available capacities of 964.6 mAh g(-1) at 1 A g(-1) after 200 cycles and 704.4 mAh g(-1) at 4 A g(-1) over 1000 cycles. The excellent reliability is attributed to the superior microstructure that provides many benefits including enhanced electron or ion transport and improved structure stability, etc.