Facile synthesis of hierarchical porous ZnMn2O4 rugby-balls on Ni foam for lithium-ion batteries with enhanced electrochemical properties

Hierarchical porous ZnMn 2 O 4 rugby-balls on Ni foam were first synthesized via a hydrothermal method and then an annealing process . The ZnMn 2 O 4 rugby-balls were composed of interconnected nanosheets of about 25 nm. The growth mechanism is also proposed. In addition, the unique structure of hierarchical porous ZnMn 2 O 4 rugby-balls on Ni foam exhibited superior electrochemical performances including high specific capacity, long cyclic stability and good rate capability. At a constant current density of 100 mA g −1 , the initial discharge and charge capacities were 1584 mAh g −1 and 1114 mAh g −1 respectively, after 100 cycles, the reversible capacity could remain 614 mAh g −1 . These results demonstrate great potential of hierarchical porous ZnMn 2 O 4 rugby-balls on Ni foam in advanced LIBs . Furthermore, this method may provide a novel route for the synthesis of a series of hierarchical porous ternary spinel oxides rugby-balls.