Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Using Leaves Extract of Mariposa Christia vespertilionis and its Potential as Anode Materials in Sodium-Ion Batteries (SIBs)

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) is one of the promising material as anode in sodium ion batteries (SIBs). However, due to the large mass and radius of Na-ions, designing electrode materials with high cycling efficiency remains a challenge. One of the attributions is from morphology of ZnO-NPs which can be altered during synthesis process. This study employs Mariposa Christia vespertilionis (MCV) leaves extract to produce ZnO-NP using green synthesis route. This method is safe and cost effective alternative to replace the common chemical methods. Phytochemical test of MCV contains phenols, flavonoids and alkaloids. The formation of ZnO-NPs after calcination at 700, 800 and 900 degrees C was confirmed via X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transforms infrared spectroscopy analysis. Scanning electron microscope images how irregular shape and agglomerated ZnO-NPs. The average particle sizes of ZnO-NPs range from 38 to 65 nm obtained from high-resolution transmission electron microscope. Nitrogen gas adsorption analysis revealed the pore size and pore volume decreased with the increasing calcination temperatures. The ZnO-NPs calcined at 700 degrees C exhibits the highest initial discharge capacity of 591 mAh g(-1) at 0.1 C up to 100 cycles and better rate capability and could be further exploited as anode materials in SIBs.