Electrospun ZnSnO3/C Nanofibers as an Anode Material for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

In this study, ZnSnO3/C nanofibers are successfully prepared using a simple electrospinning method and their morphology and electrical properties are characterized. The results show that the diameter of the ZnSnO3/C nanofibers is ~190 nm and they comprise ~25 nm particles. The lithium-ion battery (LIB) fabricated using the prepared ZnSnO3/C nanofibers exhibits a high initial specific capacity of 1411.7 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.1 A g−1. Electrospun samples maintain a good specific capacity, owing to the unique structure of the ZnSnO3/C nanofibers, which provides both buffer spaces for the large volume expansion during repeated charge-discharge cycles and fast lithium-ion transport, resulting in excellent electrochemical performance. This study provides an effective method for the preparation of ZnSnO3/C nanofibers and a potential anode material for LIBs. ZnSnO3/C nanofibers are successfully synthesized via a simple electrospinning method, which maintains a good specific capacity during the charge discharge process with a large current density. These good performances are attributed to the unique structure of the ZnSnO3/C nanofibers, which provides both buffer spaces for the large volume expansion during repeated charge discharge cycles and fast lithium ion transport.