Synthesis and electrochemical investigation of radial ZnO microparticles as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

ZnO microparticles with radial morphology are synthesized by hydrothermal method using polystyrene spheres as templates. The obtained ZnO microparticles have a size of 5-10 mu m, which are assembled by lots of ZnO nanoparticles of -10 nm. According to the starting materials used and characterization results observed, the formation process for the growth of the radial-like architecture is proposed. Electrochemical measurements indicate the good cycling performance and rate capability of the material for reversible lithium storage. The good electrochemical performance can be ascribed to the unique structure of the material, which can not only shorten the diffusion length for electrons and lithium ions but also provide a large specific surface area for lithium storage.