Mesoporous ZnO nanosheets for lithium ion batteries

Mesoporous ZnO nanosheets are prepared by a simple homogeneous precipitation method followed by a calcination process. The nanosheets have micron-sized length/width and nanosized thickness. They are constructed by many interconnected nanostrips and form a mesoporous net-like structure. As anode materials of lithium ion batteries, the electrochemical performance is investigated by galvanostatic discharge-charge cycle and cyclic voltammetry tests. The results show that mesoporous ZnO nanosheets exhibit an initial charge capacity of 640 mA h g−1 and a 50th charge capacity of 420 mA h g−1. Both the capacity and cycling performance are enhanced compared with those of common solid ZnO particles. It is believed that the mesoporous structure of ZnO plays important roles in the improved electrochemical performance.