Fabrication of three-dimensional porous ZnMn2O4 thin films on Ni foams through electrostatic spray deposition for high-performance lithium-ion battery anodes

Three-dimensional (3D) porous ZnMn2O4 thin films on nickel foam substrates have been successfully synthesized through electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) method followed by an annealing process for lithium-ion battery anodes. These films exhibit excellent cycling performance with a reversible capacity of around 982 mAh g(-1) after 100 cycles at 400 mA g(-1). The ZnMn2O4 films also display good rate capability with 455 mAh g(-1) at 5 A g(-1). The superior battery performances of ZnMn2O4 films are ascribed to 3D porous ZnMn2O4 film directly deposited on Ni foam, which can offer effective empty space to accommodate the large volume variation during cycling, increase reaction sites, and improve the electron transport. The ESD strategy is facile, cost-effective, which can be potentially utilized to construct other 3D porous mixed transition-metal oxides materials as well. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.