Facile synthesis of free-standing nanorod structured ZnO@carbon nanofiber film and its application in lithium-ion battery anode

High energy density and low-cost anode materials are essential for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Herein, we proposed a strategy that combined electrospinning technique with water bath method to prepare a free-standing nanorod structured ZnO@carbon nanofiber (ZnO@CNF) composite film directly used anode material of LIBs. The resulting ZnO@CNF film offers a hierarchical nanorod arrays structure that can promote fast redox reaction kinetics and maintain the structural integrity of active material. Moreover, 3D conducting carbon fiber matrix enhances transportation and diffusion rate of electron and Li+. ZnO@CNF composite delivers stable cycle stability with a high specific capacity of 535 mAh g(-1) after 150 cycles. Even up to 1000 mA g(-1), the ZnO@CNF maintains a capacity of 425 mAh g(-1). The good electrochemical performance of ZnO@CNF electrode could be attributed to the synergistic effect of the unique nanorod arrays structures and conductive network.