Facile synthesis of hierarchical ZnFe2O4 hollow microspheres as high-performance anode for lithium-ion batteries

Hierarchical ZnFe2O4 hollow microspheres constructed with plentiful nanosheets, assembled with nanoparticles as the primary building blocks, were facilely fabricated via a solvothermal and followed calcination process. Stemming from the unique hollow microsphere structure and nanoparticles that cannot only endure the volumetric variations, but also increase the interfacial contact area between the electrode material and electrolyte, improving the transmission rate of electrons and lithium ions upon the charge/discharge process, the as-prepared ZnFe2O4 anode materials for lithium-ion batteries possessed the excellent electrochemical properties, superior rate capability, and long cycle life, delivering a high reversible discharge capacity of 1293.8 mAh g−1 after 150 cycles at 200 mA g−1 and a specific discharge capacity of 519.0 mAh g−1, even at the high current density of 2000 mA g−1 after 500 cycles. These findings revealed that the prepared hierarchical ZnFe2O4 hollow microsphere is a promising electrode material for high-performance electrochemical energy storage.