Nanoweb anodes composed of one-dimensional, high aspect ratio, size tunable electrospun ZnFe(2)O(4) nanofibers for lithium ion batteries

Abstract

Nanowebs consisting of interwoven ZnFe(2)O(4) nanofibers are synthesized by a simple electrospinning technique, to be employed as an environmentally friendly anode in lithium ion batteries. Effect of precursor viscosity on the growth mechanism of electrospun ZnFe(2)O(4) nanofibers (ZFO-NF) and ZnFe(2)O(4) nanorods (ZFO-NR) is studied by microscopy and diffraction techniques. Structural characterization by powder X-ray diffraction, FESEM and HRTEM studies evaluates the single phase nature of ZnFe(2)O(4), which consists of 11(3) nm nanocrystals that self-agglomerate to form nanofibers after thermal treatment. FESEM micrographs depict the self-assembly of electrospun ZnFe(2)O(4) nanofibers into intertwined porous nanowebs with a continuous framework. Benefitting from the one-dimensional functional nanostructured architecture, the application of electrospun nanowebs with ZnFe(2)O(4) nanofiber (ZFO-NF) anodes in lithium ion batteries exhibits excellent cyclability and retains a reversible capacity of 733(10) mAh g(-1) up to 30 cycles at 60 mA g(-1) as compared to ZnFe(2)O(4) nanorods (ZFO-NR) with a capacity of similar to 200 mAh g(-1). In addition, the importance of providing electronic wiring during lithiation/delithiation, especially in prolonged cycling, is emphasized.