High-performance Li-ion battery driven by a hybrid Li storage mechanism in a three-dimensional architectured ZnTiO3–CeO2 microsphere anode

Abstract

ZnTiO₃ and ZnTiO₃–CeO₂ microspheres with particle sizes of about 100–300 nm were synthesized for the first time by a simple solvothermal process followed by calcination. The results indicate that CeO₂ modification does not alter the morphology of the microspheres. ZnTiO₃–CeO₂ (0, 3, 6, and 9 wt%) show an initial charge (discharge) capacity of 171.01 (253.2), 204.6 (507.5), 213.4 (451.6) and 126.2 (367.2) mA h g⁻¹ at 500 mA g⁻¹, respectively. After 500 cycles, the corresponding charge (discharge) capacities were 191.1 (192.3), 298.7 (300.3), 322.4 (328.5) and 211.2 (212.3) mA h g⁻¹, respectively. Obviously, the charge (discharge) capacities of the ZnTiO₃–CeO₂ composites are superior to those of pristine ZTO, which demonstrates that the Li storage performance of the CeO₂-modified ZTO electrodes is improved. The CeO₂ shell provides a good electronic contact between ZnTiO₃ and CeO₂, decreasing charge transfer resistance and facilitating the charge transportation of the ZnTiO₃–CeO₂ composite. In addition, the formed phase interface between CeO₂ and ZnTiO₃ may provide more active sites for electrochemical reactions, improving the reversibility of Li-ion intercalation and decreasing the electrochemical polarization during cycling, especially at high current densities. Therefore, such ZnTiO₃–CeO₂ microspheres can be regarded as hopeful candidates for anode materials for Li-ion batteries.