Zinc germanates as energy efficient anode for energy storage applications

Transition metal anode materials in lithium-ion batteries are started occupying its own position to replace the commercial graphite anode material. Among these mixed metal oxides TMOs getting attraction due to its variable oxidation states , high conductivity etc. We report that a unique interconnected array of Zn₂GeO₄–MWCNT nanocomposite has been synthesized on a large scale through a simple Ball milling method , whereby Zn₂GeO₄ nanoparticle interconnected as a array. Compared with Pristine Zn₂GeO₄, a dramatic improvement and long cycling stability was observed in the electrochemical performance of the prepared nanocomposite. In the voltage window of 0.001–3 V, the electrode of the Zn₂GeO₄–MWCNT nanocomposite delivers a specific capacity as high as 606 mA h /g at 100 mA/geven after 500 discharge–charge cycles. The phase purity and textural studies were characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Raman Spectroscopy analysis. With the addition of MWCNT nanocomposite paves improved electrochemical behaviour and gives hope to be a better anode for energy storage application. (author)