Facile preparation of ZnO quantum dots@porous carbon composites through direct carbonization of metal-organic complex for high-performance lithium ion batteries

Nanostructured ZnO materials have been studied extensively because of their functional properties. This paper presents a composite material of zinc oxide quantum dots (ZnO QDs) and porous carbon using a one-step carbonization process. The direct carbonization of a metal-organic complex generates mesostructured porous carbon with a homogeneous distribution of ZnO QDs. The structural and morphological properties are investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The resulting ZnO QDs@porous carbon composite delivers a high specific capacity of 990 mAh g(-1)at 100 mA g(-1), 357 mAh g(-1)at 2 A g(-1), and high reversibility when evaluated as an anode for lithium ion batteries.

Automated summary

A composite material of ZnO quantum dots (ZnO QDs) and porous carbon was prepared using a one-step carbonization process, resulting in a homogeneous distribution of ZnO QDs within the mesostructured porous carbon. The composite showed high specific capacity and reversibility, making it a promising anode material for lithium ion batteries. Structural and morphological properties were thoroughly investigated using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy.