Facile synthesis of ZnFe2O4-graphene aerogels composites as high-performance anode materials for lithium ion batteries

Abstract ZnFe 2 O 4 -graphene aerogels (ZnFe 2 O 4 /GAs) composites are prepared by two-step method (hydrothermal-calcination). Highly-purified ZnFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles are dispersed uniformly on three-dimensional (3D) GAs substrate. The mass loading of ZnFe 2 O 4 in ZnFe 2 O 4 /GAs composites is 89.3%. Compared with pure ZnFe 2 O 4 sample, the ZnFe 2 O 4 /GAs composites exhibit much higher irreversible capacity of 1449.4 mAh g −1 and enhanced cycling stability (1049 mAh g −1 at 100 mA g −1 after 100 cycles). The improved electrochemical performance of the ZnFe 2 O 4 /GAs composites could be attributed from the synergetic effect between 3D conductive GAs and nanostructured ZnFe 2 O 4 .