Abstract
Due to the limited utilization of electrode materials, the rational design and facile synthesis of composite structures are still challenging issues for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, a simple approach has been developed to prepare multiple core–shell structures of ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) encapsulated in hollow amorphous carbon (AC) shells. The as-synthesized ZnO@AC composites showed a uniform dispersion of ZnO NPs, compliant buffer AC shells, and nanoscale void spaces between the ZnO NP cores and AC shells. As a result of their structural merits, the ZnO@AC composites were evaluated as anode materials for LIBs and delivered enhanced coulombic efficiency, high reversible capacity, high rate capability, and improved cycling stability.
Highlights
Multi-core–shell nanostructures composed of transition metal oxides, such as SnO2,8 Fe2O3,9 Fe3O4,10 Co3O4,11 V2O5,12 and MoO2,13 have been investigated as the anode materials in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs)
We have reported a novel and facile strategy to synthesize multiple ZnO nanoparticles encapsulated in hollow amorphous carbon (ZnO@AC) nanocomposites through two steps: (1) dopamine self-polymerization to form adherent polydopamine (PDA) shells on the surface of nanoscale zinc hydroxide carbonate precursors in an aqueous solution and (2) the carbonization of PDA accompanied by the decomposition of zinc hydroxide carbonate by annealing under N2
The morphology of the samples was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM, FEI Tecnai G2 F30 Twin)
Summary
We have reported a novel and facile strategy to synthesize multiple ZnO nanoparticles encapsulated in hollow amorphous carbon (ZnO@AC) nanocomposites through two steps: (1) dopamine self-polymerization to form adherent polydopamine (PDA) shells on the surface of nanoscale zinc hydroxide carbonate precursors in an aqueous solution and (2) the carbonization of PDA accompanied by the decomposition of zinc hydroxide carbonate by annealing under N2. Were homogeneously embedded in hollow amorphous carbon shells. The introduction of the amorphous carbon shells improved the electrical conductivity of the composites, protected the inner active materials, and allowed the easy diffusion of Li ions. The void spaces between ZnO NPs and AC shells could offer compliant buffer for volume variation upon Li-ion insertion–extraction. The ZnO@AC composites exhibited high reversible capacity, excellent rate capability, and stable cycling stability
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