Facile synthesis of ZnFe2O4-graphene aerogels composites as high-performance anode materials for lithium ion batteries

ZnFe2O4-graphene aerogels (ZnFe2O4/GAs) composites are prepared by two-step method (hydrothermal-calcination). Highly-purified ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles are dispersed uniformly on three-dimensional (3D) GAs substrate. The mass loading of ZnFe2O4 in ZnFe2O4/GAs composites is 89.3%. Compared with pure ZnFe2O4 sample, the ZnFe2O4/GAs composites exhibit much higher irreversible capacity of 1449.4 mAh g−1 and enhanced cycling stability (1049 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 after 100 cycles). The improved electrochemical performance of the ZnFe2O4/GAs composites could be attributed from the synergetic effect between 3D conductive GAs and nanostructured ZnFe2O4.