Synthesis of nanoparticle-assembled Zn3(VO4)2 porous networks via a faile coprecipitation method for high-rate and long-life lithium-ion storage

A simple coprecipitation route followed by a calcination process was developed to prepare 2D hierarchical Zn3(VO4)2 porous networks formed by the crosslinkage of monolayered nanoparticles. As a promising anode for lithium-ion batteries, the electrochemical performance of Zn3(VO4)2 was investigated. At the current density of 1.0 A g−1, Zn3(VO4)2 porous networks can register a high reversible discharge capacity of 773 mAh g−1 and the capacity retention is 94% after 700 cycles. Moreover, a remarkable reversible discharge capacity of 445 mAh g−1 is achieved at the current density of 5 A g−1 after 1200 cycles. Even at higher current density of 10.0 A g−1, a high reversible capacity of 527 mAh g−1 can be delivered, which still retains at 163 mAh g−1 after 1200 cycles. The superior performance is attributed to unique 2D porous networks with a stable structure. This work shows a new avenue for facile, cheap, green, and mass production of zinc vanadate oxides with 2D porous hierarchical networks for next-generation energy conversion and storage devices.