Binder-free layered ZnO@Ni microspheres as advanced anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

The advanced electrode construction consisting of Ni foam uniformly covered by layered ZnO microspheres (ZnO@Ni LMs) is successfully assembled by a simple thermal treatment process followed by a mild annealing treatment, which can be directly used as a binder-free electrode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The as-synthesized ZnO@Ni LMs consist of numerous nanoparticles, leaving abundant porous to mitigate the volume changes between charge-discharge process. Remarkably, binder-free electrode circumvents the addition of insulating material (binder) and inhomogeneous distribution of conductive carbon material on current collector. When evaluated as binder-free electrode for LIBs, ZnO@Ni LMs deliver a superior specific capacity (1144 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1), brilliant rate capability, and excellent cycling ability (565 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1 after 100 cycles).