Ultrathin mesoporous ZnCo2O4 nanosheets as anode materials for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

Transition-metal oxides have been widely explored as the anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) because of its low cost and high energy/power density. However, the electrode pulverization and capacity fading during cycling lead to poor cycling performance. Herein, ultrathin ZnCo2O4 nanosheets with desired mesoporosity and high surface area are prepared by a facile hydrothermal approach. Such ZnCo2O4 nanostructures show excellent lithium storage performance as anode materials for LIBs. At a current density of 1 A g(-1), the ultrathin ZnCo2O4 nanosheets present an initial specific capacity of 1251 mAh g(-1) and the specific capacity remains at 810 mAh g-1 even after 200 discharge charge cycles. (C) 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.