Coherent anode based on mesoporous carbon integrated ZnCo2O4 composite for efficient lithium-ion batteries

The great energy storage potential of zinc-cobalt oxides (ZnCo 2 O 4 ) has made them a popular choice for high-efficiency anode material in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Moreover, ZnCo 2 O 4 -carbon composites have shown great capability as an anode in LIBs owing to their marvelous electrochemical properties and long-term cycling stability. This work investigates the performance of novel composite material between 3D spinel ZnCo 2 O 4 and mesoporous carbon particles (MC) as anode for LIBs. ZnCo 2 O 4 @MC composite has been fabricated by simple ultrasonication process under ambient conditions and well-elucidated in terms of morphological, crystal structure, electrical, and electrochemical properties. The structural characteristics of composites are evidenced that ZnCo 2 O 4 and MC have been well-intermixed and showed porous behavior. The highly porous structure of the ZnCo 2 O 4 @MC composite is exploited to be utilized as an effective anode for high performance LIBs. As compared to the pristine ZnCo 2 O 4 anode (559.58 mAh g −1 ), ZnCo 2 O 4 @MC1 anode exhibits the high discharge capacity of 1282 mAh g −1 after 60 cycles at current density of 0.1 A g −1 . In addition, the ZnCo 2 O 4 @MC1 composite demonstrates remarkable structural stability after 500 cycles, maintaining its morphological appearances and crystalline phases. ZnCo 2 O 4 @MC1 anode considerably stabilizes the coulombic efficiency of ∼99.6% over 500 cycles, which might result from the rapid lithiation and delithiation processes over ZnCo 2 O 4 @MC1 anode. According to these findings, the ZnCo 2 O 4 @MC composite may prove to be a highly effective anode material for energy storage devices. • Mesoporous carbon (MC) and ZnCo 2 O 4 composites were synthesized for effective anode in LIBs. • The synergistic effect of MC and ZnCo 2 O 4 produce a porous surface of the composite. • ZnCo 2 O 4 @MC1 composite shows highest specific capacity of 1281.6 mAh g −1 over 60 cycles. • ZnCo 2 O 4 @MC1 composite maintains capacity during rapid lithiation and delithiation. • At 2 A g -1 , ZnCo 2 O 4 @MC1 anode stabilizes coulombic efficiency (∼100%) over 500 cycles.