Synthesis and superior Li–storage properties of the flower–shaped ZnO@C with a hierarchical porous structure as anodes for lithium–ion batteries

ZnO–based anode materials suffer from rapid capacity fading due to poor intrinsic conductivity and severe pulverization induced by volume changes during cycles. To overcome these intrinsic limitations, this work rationally designs a porous flower–shaped ZnO with in–situ carbon coating, which is synthesized via a solvothermal method followed by an inert–atmosphere calcination process. As an anode material for lithium–ion batteries, the as–obtained ZnO@C composite exhibits high reversible capacity, remarkable cycling stability, and excellent rate capability. The superior electrochemical performance of the as–prepared sample could be ascribed to the synergistic effects of its uniform flower–shaped morphology, hierarchical porous architecture, narrow particle size distribution, and the in situ–formed carbon coating, highlighting potential application prospects in high performance Li–ion batteries.