Rational synthesis of ZnMn2O4 porous spheres and graphene nanocomposite with enhanced performance for lithium-ion batteries

Currently, tremendous efforts have been focused on developing high-performance anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In this work, we develop an effective strategy to synthesize a nanocomposite of ZnMn2O4 porous spheres and graphene (ZMO-G PSs) as an advanced anode material for high-performance LIBs. SEM and TEM characterizations reveal that the ZMO PSs are tightly wrapped by graphene sheets and uniformly distributed within the graphene matrix. Owing to the rational combination of the merits of both ZMO PSs and graphene, the as-prepared ZMO-G PSs nanocomposite exhibits significant enhanced LIB performance with high reversible capacity, long cycle life and good rate performance. Remarkably, the nanocomposite exhibits a high reversible capacity of 926.4 mA h g(-1) after 100 cycles at a current density of 200 mA g(-1), which is much higher than that of pure ZMO PSs (493.3 mA h g(-1)). Moreover, a high capacity of 560.8 mA h g(-1) can be retained at a high current density of 1200 mA g(-1). These electrochemical results suggest the ZMO-G PSs nanocomposite could be a promising anode material in energy storage applications for high-performance LIBs.