Three-dimensional ZnMn₂O₄/porous carbon framework from petroleum asphalt for high performance lithium-ion battery

Graphical abstract: Three-dimensional ZnMn₂O₄/porous carbon framework (3D ZnMn₂O₄/PCF) was prepared from petroleum asphalt via template synthesis of 3D porous carbon framework (PCF) and subsequent incorporation with ZnMn₂O₄. As the anode material of lithium-ion batteries, 3D ZnMn₂O₄/PCF exhibits a high reversible capacity of 760 mAh g⁻¹ at 100 mA g⁻¹ and superior rate capability (ca. 500 mAh g⁻¹ at 800 mA g⁻¹), which can be ascribed to the superior electrical conductivity of carbon framework and its dimensional confinement on ZnMn₂O₄ nanoparticles. 3D ZnMn₂O₄/PCF with ZnMn₂O₄ nanoparticles well dispersed and firmly anchored on the inner wall of PCF can stably exist during the insertion and desertion of Li ions, ensuring the high rate and long lifespan performances. The present study demonstrates an effective and scalable strategy to solve the long-term cycling difficulty for metal oxide electrodes and help us to understand the roles of dimensional confinement involved in electrodes. Meanwhile, the present study makes it possible to fulfill the high-valued application of petroleum asphalt and other kinds of heavy oil. - Highlights: • Porous carbon framework obtained from petroleum asphalt is applied in anode. • An effective strategy to prepare 3D ZnMn₂O₄/PCF has firstly been proposed. • PCF plays dimensional confinement on ZnMn₂O₄ nanoparticles. • The 3D ZnMn₂O₄/PCF shows high reversible capacity and good stability. - Abstract: Three-dimensional ZnMn₂O₄/porous carbon framework (3D ZnMn₂O₄/PCF) was prepared from petroleum asphalt via template synthesis of 3D porous carbon framework (PCF) and subsequent incorporation with ZnMn₂O₄. As the anode material of lithium-ion batteries, 3D ZnMn₂O₄/PCF exhibits a high reversible capacity of 760 mAh g⁻¹ at 100 mA g⁻¹ and superior rate capability (ca. 500 mAh g⁻¹ at 800 mA g⁻¹), which can be ascribed to the superior electrical conductivity of carbon framework and its dimensional confinement on ZnMn₂O₄ nanoparticles. 3D ZnMn₂O₄/PCF with ZnMn₂O₄ nanoparticles well dispersed and firmly anchored on the inner wall of PCF can stably exist during the insertion and desertion of Li ions, ensuring the high rate and long lifespan performances. The present study demonstrates an effective and scalable strategy to solve the long-term cycling difficulty for metal oxide electrodes and help us to understand the roles of dimensional confinement involved in electrodes. Meanwhile, the present study makes it possible to fulfill the high-valued application of petroleum asphalt and other kinds of heavy oil.