Hollow-structured Cu0.4Zn0.6Fe2O4 as a novel negative electrode material for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Novel hollow-structured Cu0.4Zn0.6Fe2O4 porous negative electrode material is synthesized using a one-step spray pyrolysis method, which exhibits excellent rate capability, high cycling stability, and fast charge-discharge performance in Li-ion batteries. Evaluation of lithium storage properties reveals that the hollow Cu0.4Zn0.6Fe2O4 nanospheres exhibit high specific capacity of 1122 mAh g−1 at a current density of 100 mA g−1, excellent rate capabilities up to 1500 mA g−1 and long term cycling stabilities at a high rate of 1000 mA g−1. Interestingly, the hollow cavity and porous textures of the Cu0.4Zn0.6Fe2O4 anode are well retained even after 1000 cycles at 1000 mA g−1. The synergistic effect among the different cations, as well as the nano-dimension coupled with a hollow interior and surface porosity of the electrode materials, not only facilitate Li-ion and electron transportation kinetics but also accommodate large volume expansion.