Flake-by-flake ZnCo2O4 as a high capacity anode material for lithium-ion battery

A novel flake-by-flake ZnCo 2 O 4 (ZCO) with porous nanostructure is prepared by a typical and facile co-precipitation method using oxalic acid as complex agent. XRD, SEM, and TEM analyses show the as-prepared ZCO nanoparticles have a high purity and a good crystallinity, and the ZCO nanoflakes with a thickness of 30–80   nm are composed of uniform ZCO nanocrystals with a diameter of 20–40   nm. The novel structure with enough free space is beneficial to improving the electrochemical performance. The as-prepared ZCO used as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries exhibits a high specific capacity of 1275   mA   h/g at a current rate of 100   mA/g after 50 cycles, as well as a high power capability at elevated current rates, i.e., 1130 and 730   mA   h/g at current rates of 500 and 3000   mA/g, respectively. It has a great prospect for the application of anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.