Hierarchically Rambutan-Like Zn3V3O8 Hollow Spheres as Anodes for Lithium-/Potassium-Ion Batteries

Transition metal oxides have wide potential applications in high-performance energy-storage devices. Herein, hierarchically rambutan-like Zn3V3O8 (ZVO) hollow spheres are fabricated using a simple reflux/anneal strategy. These hollow spheres are enriched with highly porous features and a favorable surface area, which can afford abundant Li+/K+ transport paths, mitigate the volume dilatation, and boost the ion-storage capabilities. As the anodes for lithium-ion batteries, the ZVO electrodes can sustain a high discharge capacity of 1283.7 at 0.2 A g(-1) after 50 cycles. Even as the current density reaches 5 A g(-1), the reversible discharge capacity also remains 541 mA h g(-1) after 1000 long-term cycles. As the anodes for potassium-ion batteries, ZVO electrodes can afford a discharge specific capacity of 100.1 mA h g(-1) at 0.1 A g(-1) after 100 cycles. The results demonstrate that hierarchically rambutan-like ZVO hollow spheres can serve as a feasible candidate for Li+/K+ storage.