Hydrothermal synthesis of flower-like Zn₂SnO₄ composites and their performance as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Flower-like Zn₂SnO₄ composites had been prepared through a green hydrothermal synthesis. The structural, morphological and electrochemical properties were investigated by means of XRD, BET, SEM, TEM, and electrochemical measurement. The results show that the as-prepared sample is in high purity phase and of good crystallinity; meanwhile it has a particular 3-D structure and large surface area. Electrochemical measurement suggests that flower-like Zn₂SnO₄ composites exhibit better cycling properties and lower initial irreversible capacities than the solid Zn ₂SnO₄ cubes. The first discharge and charge capacities of the material are 1750 mA h g^-1 and 880 mA h g^-1 respectively. A higher reversible capacity of 501 mA h g^-1 was obtained after 50 cycles at a current density of 300 mA g^-1. The higher reversible capacity and good stability can be related to the special nanostructural features of the material. Such Zn₂SnO₄ structures synthesized by the simple and cheap method are expected to have potential application in energy storage.