Bis (8-hydroxyquinoline) zinc complex derived ZnO@N-doped carbon composite for enhancing lithium storage performance

ZnO@N–doped carbon composites with hierarchical porous structures are synthesized by means of a one–pot thermal decomposition of bis (8–hydroxyquinoline) zinc complex with different calcination temperatures. In situ N–doped carbon could effectively improve the electronic conductivity and limit the aggregation and growth of ZnO particles. Nanoscale particle size and porous structure characteristics are helpful to improve the electrochemical reaction dynamic characteristics, and alleviate the influence of volume change on their electrochemical performance during cycling processes. Galvanostatic charge/discharge test results show that ZnO@N–doped carbon sample synthesized at 600 °C delivers the highest charge/discharge specific capacity, the best rate capability and excellent cycle stability under low and high current densities, suggesting a good application prospect as anode materials, especially in the fields requiring high energy and power density Li–ion batteries.