Synthesis of nanoparticle-assembled Zn₃(VO₄)₂ porous networks <i>via</i> a facile coprecipitation method for high-rate and long-life lithium-ion storage

Abstract

A simple coprecipitation route followed by a calcination process was developed to prepare 2D hierarchical Zn₃(VO₄)₂ porous networks formed by the crosslinkage of monolayered nanoparticles. As a promising anode for lithium ion batteries, the electrochemical performance of Zn₃(VO₄)₂ was investigated. At a current density of 1.0 A g^-1, the Zn₃(VO₄)₂ porous networks could register a high reversible discharge capacity of 773 mA h g^-1 and the capacity retention was 94% after 700 cycles. Moreover, a remarkable reversible discharge capacity of 445 mA h g^-1 was achieved at a current density of 5 A g^-1 after 1200 cycles. Even at a higher current density of 10.0 A g^-1, a high reversible capacity of 527 mA h g^-1 could be delivered, which still remained at 163 mA h g^-1 after 1200 cycles. This superior performance is attributed to the unique 2D porous networks with a stable structure. This work shows a new avenue for facile, cheap, green, and mass production of zinc vanadate oxides with 2D porous hierarchical networks for next-generation energy conversion and storage devices.