Preparation and lithium storage properties of zinc ferrite/sulfur-nitrogen co-doped carbon nanotubes composites

ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles/S, N co-doped carbon nanotube composites were prepared by a microwave-assisted method with low cost, low energy consumption and easy commercialization. Through the strategies of nanosizing, heteroatom doping, and compounding with advanced carbon materials, the inherent disadvantages of poor electronic conductivity and low ion diffusion rate of transition metal oxides are improved, and the volume expansion of ZnFe2O4 during cycling is slowed down by using carbon nanotubes with high specific surface and high mechanical strength as the material support skeleton, which enhances the cycling stability of the material. At a current density of 0.1 A g−1, the specific capacity of 716.23 mAh g−1 was maintained after 100 charge/discharge cycles. The charge/discharge cycle at a high current of 2 A g−1 still has a specific capacity of 309.90 mAh g−1.