Low temperature synthesis of flower-like ZnMn2O4 superstructures with enhanced electrochemical lithium storage

In this communication, flower-like tetragonal ZnMn2O4 superstructures are synthesized by a facile low temperature solvothermal process. Characterizations show that these ZnMn2O4 superstructures are well crystallized and of high purity. The product exhibits an initial electrochemical capacity of 763 mAh g(-1) and retains stable capacity of 626 mAh g(-1) after 50 cycles. Its stable capacity is significantly higher than that of nanocrystalline ZnMn2O4 synthesized by a polymer-pyrolysis method. It is found that the higher capacity retention can be attributed to three-dimensional superstructural nature of the as-prepared flower-like ZnMn2O4 material. This study suggests that the solvothermally synthesized flower-like ZnMn2O4 is a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.