Electrospun porous ZnCo2O4 nanotubes as a high-performance anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Porous ZnCo2O4 nanotubes were synthesized for the first time by an easy single-nozzle electrospinning strategy combined with subsequent heating treatment. The ZnCo2O4 nanotubes are polycrystalline with diameters of 200-300 nm and lengths up to several millimeters. The walls are similar to 50 nm thick, comprising interconnected ZnCo2O4 nanocrystals (similar to 30 nm) and numerous nanopores (similar to 3 nm). When tested as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries, the resulting ZnCo2O4 nanotubes exhibit superior electrochemical lithium-storage performances with high specific capacity, good cyclability, and excellent rate capability. A high reversible capacity of 1454 mAh g(-1) at 100 mA g(-1) is achieved, and even reaches 794 mAh g(-1) at a current density as high as 2000 mA g(-1) after 30 discharge/charge cycles, indicating a promising anode candidate for lithium-ion batteries.