Facile synthesis of interconnected mesoporous ZnMn2O4 nano-peanuts for Li-storage via distinct structure design

The ZnMn2O4 nano-peanuts with diameters of 16-25 nm have been successfully prepared through a simple one-step surfactant-assisted solvothermal process. The as-synthesized ZnMn2O4 exhibits novel interconnected mesoporous hierarchical architecture, which possesses three advantages: special mesoporous structure, high specific surface and interconnected walls. On one hand, the interconnected structure can provide sufficient surface reaction sites to fully contact Li+ with the electrolyte and improve Li+ diffusion and electron transfer; On the other hand, the mesoporous hierarchical networks can buffer the volume change, accommodate or alleviate the strain during charge-discharge process, thus enhancing the conductivity and stability of the electrodes. Benefiting from the mesoporous design, the interconnected ZnMn2O4 delivers a stable capacity (812 mA h g(-1) at 100 mA g(-1) after 200 cycles), and maintains a high capacity of 516 mA h g(-1) even at 2 A g(-1) after 200 cycles, which is more stable than others' rapid declines after cycles.