ZnMn2O4 mesocrystals for lithium-ion batteries with high rate capacity and cycle stability

•ZnMn2O4 mesocrystals are prepared through molten salt method.•The ZnMn2O4 mesocrystals exhibit high rate capacity and cycle stability.•The prepared samples deliver a reversible capacity of 486mAh g-1at 1000 mA g-1.

ZnMn2O4 mesocrystals have been fabricated through an effective, inexpensive molten salt method. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy observations confirm that the as-prepared ZnMn2O4 nanoparticles (20–50 nm in diameter) uniformly aggregate into mesocrystals. Electrochemical investigation shows that the ZnMn2O4 mesocrystals exhibit excellent cycling performance (608 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 up to 100 cycles) and high rate capability. The results suggest that ZnMn2O4 mesocrystal is a promising candidate for practical application as lithium ion battery anode material.