ZnCo2O4 nanoflakes loaded on a Cu-supported Fe2O3-C network as an integrated lithium-ion battery anode

Abstract

Abstract In this paper, we proposed the growth of ZnCo2O4 on the surface of a Cu-supported Fe2O3-C composite coating by hydrothermal synthesis combined with post-annealing treatment. The Fe2O3-C coating demonstrates a three-dimensional (3D) network structure; and the loaded ZnCo2O4 exhibits a nanoflake morphology. The composite with ZnCo2O4 nanoflakes loaded on the surface of the Fe2O3-C network can directly serve as an integrated lithium-ion battery anode. It delivers a very stable high capacity of 952\u202fmA\u202fh\u202fg−1 at a current density of 100\u202fmA\u202fg−1 and a capacity of 684\u202fmA\u202fh\u202fg−1 at a high current density of 1000\u202fmA\u202fg−1. The Fe2O3-C network substrate is free of binders and conductive agents, and it has a large specific surface area, good electrical conductivity and high structural stability, which allows it to achieve the outstanding battery performance of the loaded hydrothermally produced ZnCo2O4.