Yolk-shell ZnO-C microspheres with enhanced electrochemical performance as anode material for lithium ion batteries

•ZnO-C yolk-shell microspheres, hollow microspheres and solid microspheres are prepared.•Yolk-shell ZnO-C microspheres possess the best electrochemical properties when used as the anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.•The special yolk-shell structures and extra carbon support account for the enhanced electrochemical properties.

Three ZnO-C samples with distinct structures including yolk-shell microspheres, hollow microspheres and solid microspheres are fabricated through a facile chemical solution reaction followed by calcination in argon. When employed as the anode materials for lithium ion batteries, yolk-shell ZnO-C microspheres exhibit the best electrochemical properties than the hollow and solid microspheres. After 150 cycles, yolk-shell ZnO-C microspheres demonstrate a relative high capacity of 520 mA h g−1 at a current density of 100 mA g−1 with a Coulombic efficiency of about 99.3%. The excellent cycling stability and good rate capability of yolk-shell ZnO-C microspheres stem from the synergistic effect of the unique yolk-shell structures and extra carbon support.

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