Review and prospect of Li2ZnTi3O8-based anode materials for Li-ion battery

Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are considered as one of the most promising power sources for energy storage system for a wide variety of applications such as personal electronic devices and large-format storage devices. The anode material usually plays a key role in the determination of the safety and cycling stability of LIBs. Among all anode materials, lithium zinc titanate (Li2ZnTi3O8) has been considered as one the most promising anode candidates because it has high theoretical capacity (227mAhg(-1)), low working plateau, and excellent thermal and structure stability. However, Li2ZnTi3O8-based batteries always suffer from severe capacity deterioration due to the poor conductivity. Hence, it is necessary to systematically and comprehensively summarize the progress in understanding and modifying Li2ZnTi3O8 anode from various aspects. In this review, we present a general overview of the structural features and the electrochemical behavior of Li2ZnTi3O8. We then offer a comprehensive review of the recent advancements of the breakthroughs in the past decade in the synthesis, doping, and surface coating of Li2ZnTi3O8. At last, we highlight the critical challenges facing us today and future perspectives for further development of Li2ZnTi3O8-based anodes.