A high entropy oxide (Mg0.2Co0.2Ni0.2Cu0.2Zn0.2O) with superior lithium storage performance

Here, a high entropy oxide (HEO), Mg0.2Co0.2Ni0.2Cu0.2Zn0.2O, was explored as an anode material for lithium ion batteries. The HEO anode provides a high initial discharge specific capacity of about 1585 mAh g−1 and exhibits superior cycling stability. A reversible capacity of 920 mAh g−1 was achieved at 100 mA g−1 after 300 cycles. Ex situ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and selected-area electron diffraction (SAED) revealed that the surface morphology and microstructure of the HEO anodes were still stable even after long term cycling. The well-mixed cations together with an inactive material (MgO, formed after the initial discharge process) in the HEO anodes result in a remarkable cycling, rate performance and an applicable reversible capacity with an average voltage of ∼0.85 V. This work may provide a convenient method for obtaining component-controlled oxide nanostructured materials with high electrochemical performance.