Core–shell ZnO/ZnFe2O4@C mesoporous nanospheres with enhanced lithium storage properties towards high-performance Li-ion batteries

Abstract

In this study, we rationally developed and explored an appealing multi-featured nanoarchitecture, core–shell mesoporous ZnO/ZnFe₂O₄@C (ZZFO@C) nanospheres, for highly reversible lithium storage. Physicochemical characterization revealed that the mixed ZZFO nanospheres with numerous mesopores and a yolk–shell hollow structure were coated uniformly with an ultrathin N-doped carbon shell of ∼10 nm in thickness and were endowed with an internal continuous carbon network. Benefitting from the striking synergy and interplay of intrinsic component effects and structural advantages, the as-fabricated core–shell ZZFO@C exhibited a superior electrochemical Li-storage performance with a high specific capacity, excellent cycling properties and good rate capability when evaluated as an anode material for rechargeable Li-ion batteries (LIBs). These findings further revealed that the resulting core–shell ZZFO@C would be a promising anode for high-performance LIBs. Furthermore, in-depth insights into the structure/component-Li-storage correlation of the core–shell ZZFO@C hybrid showed that it was significantly favored for optimizational design and efficient fabrication of advanced hybrid anodes for next-generation LIBs in the future.