Synthesis of monodisperse single crystal Zn2SnO4 cubes with high lithium storage capacity

Monodisperse single crystal Zn2SnO4 cubes were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method with low-cost reagents and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Their electrochemical performances were evaluated as anode materials of lithium ion batteries. It showed that the as-prepared sample is of high purity phase and in good crystallinity. The first discharge and charge capacities of the material are 1437 and 921 mA h g(-1). A higher reversible capacity of 775 mA h g(-1) was obtained after 20 cycles at a current density of 50 mA g(-1). The higher reversible capacity and good stability can be related to the special microstructural features of the material. Such Zn2SnO4 structures synthesized by the simple and cheap method are expected to have potential application in energy storage. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.