Flexible, three-dimensional ordered macroporous ZnO electrode with enhanced electrochemical performance in lithium-ion batteries

Abstract Metal oxide has attracted large quantities of interests in the field of lithium-ion battery due to its high specific capacity, abundance and environmental benignity. However, the large volume expansion and intrinsic poor electrical conductivity still severely hinder its performance. Herein, a self-supported electrode comprising of three-dimensional ordered macroporous ZnO/Carbon cloth (3DOM ZnO/CC) is prepared through a modified colloid crystal template method. The highly interconnected pores of 3DOM ZnO can alleviate the volume variation, facilitate the penetration of electrolyte and shorten the diffusion distance of Li ions, meanwhile, the tight connection between 3DOM ZnO and carbon cloth can provide continuous transfer path for the electrons, which would substantially enhance the electronic conductivity. When tested as anode in LIBs, the 3DOM ZnO/CC could deliver a high area capacity of 3.19 mAh cm −2 (corresponding capacity is 773 mAh g −1 for the 3DOM ZnO) at the current density of 0.18 mA cm −2 after 100 cycles. The result suggests that combining 3DOM ZnO with the carbon cloth substrate is a reasonable design to improve the electrochemical performance, and it can also be easily expanded to other metal oxide electrode materials.