Controllable synthesis of hierarchical ZnSn(OH)6 and Zn2SnO4 hollow nanospheres and their applications as anodes for lithium ion batteries†
Abstract
Hierarchical ZnSn(OH)6 hollow nanospheres that are composed of nanorods have been conveniently prepared via a simple hydrothermal process at 180 °C. It is interesting to find that they could be converted into hierarchical Zn2SnO4 hollow nanospheres after subsequent calcinations. The as-obtained ZnSn(OH)6 and Zn2SnO4 nanospheres deliver initial discharge capacities of 2197.4 and 1618.2 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1, and maintain reversible specific capacities of 801.2 (after 60 cycles) and 602.5 mA h g−1 (after 60 cycles), respectively. It is noted that even if the current density was set as high as 1 A g−1, they still could maintain reversible specific capacities of 741.9 (after 1000 cycles) and 442.8 mA h g−1 (after 60 cycles). The facile synthesis, high specific capacity, good cycling stability and high rate performance of the as-obtained hierarchical ZnSn(OH)6 and Zn2SnO4 hollow nanospheres enable them to be promising and competitive high-performance anodes for LIBs.