Prussian blue-derived transition metal oxide ZnO/ZnFe₂O₄ microcubes as anode materials for lithium ion batteries

In this research, the precursors of ZnO/ZnFe₂O₄ microcubes are synthesized by a facile mixed solution method using Prussian blue (PB) and Zn(AC)₂. The precursors were heat-treated at the right temperature to obtain the desired compound. The structure and shape of desired specimens are characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis techniques. The electrochemical properties of the samples are researched by battery testing system. The results show that ZnO/ZnFe₂O₄ samples obtained by solution method have good electrochemical properties. The ZnO/ZnFe₂O₄ shows a high discharge capacity of 863 mAh g⁻¹ after 100 cycles under a current density of 100 mA g⁻¹. This study shows that ZnO/ZnFe₂O₄ has the potential as a novel anode material for lithium ion batteries.