Lithium Storage in Carbon-coated Zinc Iron Oxides as Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries.

Carbon-coated zinc iron oxides (ZnFe₂O₄/C) are synthesized by a hydrothermal method and subsequent calcination at three different temperatures. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy indicate that the spherical ZnFe₂O₄/C samples are well-crystallized and that an amorphous layer of carbon, derived from thermal decomposition of glucose, is deposited on the surface of the ZnFe₂O₄ samples. The testing results demonstrate that ZnFe₂O₄/C sintered at 600 °C shows a high reversible capacity of 579 mAh g⁻¹ at a current density of 100 mA g⁻¹ after 100 cycles and good rate capability. This indicates the potential use of ZnFe₂O₄/C as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]