Controllable synthesis of hierarchical ZnSn(OH)6 and Zn2SnO4 hollow nanospheres and their applications as anodes for lithium ion batteries

Abstract

Hierarchical ZnSn(OH)₆ hollow nanospheres that are composed of nanorods have been conveniently prepared via a simple hydrothermal process at 180 °C. It is interesting to find that they could be converted into hierarchical Zn₂SnO₄ hollow nanospheres after subsequent calcinations. The as-obtained ZnSn(OH)₆ and Zn₂SnO₄ nanospheres deliver initial discharge capacities of 2197.4 and 1618.2 mA h g⁻¹ at 100 mA g⁻¹, and maintain reversible specific capacities of 801.2 (after 60 cycles) and 602.5 mA h g⁻¹ (after 60 cycles), respectively. It is noted that even if the current density was set as high as 1 A g⁻¹, they still could maintain reversible specific capacities of 741.9 (after 1000 cycles) and 442.8 mA h g⁻¹ (after 60 cycles). The facile synthesis, high specific capacity, good cycling stability and high rate performance of the as-obtained hierarchical ZnSn(OH)₆ and Zn₂SnO₄ hollow nanospheres enable them to be promising and competitive high-performance anodes for LIBs.