Zn2GeO4@C Core–Shell Nanorods as Highly Reversible Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries

We report the synthesis of Zn 2 GeO 4 nanorods using a simple hydrothermal process. After the coating of a carbon layer by the thermal decomposition of acetylene gas, the Zn 2 GeO 4 @C core–shell nanorods were obtained. The as-synthesized Zn 2 GeO 4 @C core–shell nanorods were used as anode materials of lithium-ion batteries, which showed good cycling and rate performance. A highly reversible specific capacity of 718 mAh g −1 after 400 cycles was achieved at a current density of 400 mA g −1 . The core–shell nanostructures and partially amorphous and porous nanostructures helped to alleviate the volume change and enhance the conductivity during the charge/discharge process, which may be responsible for the good performance.