One-Step Preparation And Characterization Of Zinc Tungstate-Carbon Nanoparticles With Application To Lithium-Ion Batteries

Zinc tungstate-carbon nanoparticles were synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal process followed by heat treatment. X-ray diffraction results indicated that the addition of glucose prevented grain growth of zinc tungstate during the hydrothermal process and subsequent heat treatment. Transmission electron microscopy images showed that the zinc tungstate nanoparticles were coated by carbon with a thickness of 1nm following heat treatment at 550 degrees C and a diameter of 10nm with a homogeneous morphology. Electrochemical measurements showed that the zinc tungstate-carbon nanoparticles reached an initial discharge capacity of 990 mAh g(-1) at a current density of 50mA. g(-1). The specific capacity of the zinc tungstate-carbon nanoparticles was maintained at approximately 400 mAh g(-1) after 50cycles, exhibiting better stability than pure zinc tungstate due to the carbon coating providing high conductivity with the zinc tungstate nanoparticle.