Mesoporous ZnCo2O4/rGO nanocomposites enhancing sodium storage

Nanotechnology. 2019 Jun 7;30(23):234005. doi: 10.1088/1361-6528/ab0504. Epub 2019 Feb 7.

Abstract

In this study, mesoporous ZnCo2O4/rGO nanocomposites were favorably synthesized via a simple solvothermal technique. As a prospective anode material for sodium-ion batteries, the resulting ZnCo2O4/rGO-II nanocomposite exhibited superior electrochemical sodium storage performance with predominant specific capacity, favorable cyclability and ascendant rate capability. For example, an outstanding discharge capacity of 210.5 mAh g-1 was delivered at a current density of 200 mA g-1. Notably, the nanocomposite could yield a discharge capacity of 101.7 mAh g-1 at a current density of 1000 mA g-1 after 500 loops, which certifies its superior capacity retention and predominant cycling stability. The boosted performance of the anode materials is due to the mutual synergistic effect resulting from a combination of the mesoporous ZnCo2O4 nanospheres and conducting reduced graphene oxide nanosheets.