Ag Decorated Hierarchical Structured ZnO Microspheres and Their Enhanced Electrochemical Performance for Lithium Ion Batteries

Hierarchical structured ZnO microspheres are prepared by a simple hydrothermal method. These microspheres are then decorated with Ag nanoparticles by electroless silver plating technique. The materials are characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The electrochemical performances as anode materials for lithium ion batteries are investigated by galvanostatic discharge-charge cycle and cyclic voltammetry tests. Ag decorated hierarchical structured ZnO microspheres exhibit an initial charge capacity of 630 mAh g-1 and a stable capacity retention property. They also exhibit better rate capability than pure ZnO microspheres without Ag plating. It is believed that the hierarchical structure of ZnO and the decoration of Ag nanoparticles play important roles in the enhanced electrochemical performance.