Hollow-structured Cu_0.4Zn_0.6Fe₂O₄ as a novel negative electrode material for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

Highlights: • The first report on hollow structured Cu_0.4Zn_0.6Fe₂O₄ porous nano-sphere as lithium-ion battery anode. • The hollow structured Cu_0.4Zn_0.6Fe₂O₄ porous nano-spheres were synthesized by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis process. • It delivers high specific capacity and excellent cycling stability (upto 1000 cycles at 1000 mA g). • The hollow porous architecture facilitates Li⁺ ion/electron transport and buffers the volume change. -- Abstract: Novel hollow-structured Cu_0.4Zn_0.6Fe₂O₄ porous negative electrode material is synthesized using a one-step spray pyrolysis method, which exhibits excellent rate capability, high cycling stability, and fast charge-discharge performance in Li-ion batteries. Evaluation of lithium storage properties reveals that the hollow Cu_0.4Zn_0.6Fe₂O₄ nanospheres exhibit high specific capacity of 1122 mAh g⁻¹ at a current density of 100 mA g⁻¹, excellent rate capabilities up to 1500 mA g⁻¹ and long term cycling stabilities at a high rate of 1000 mA g⁻¹. Interestingly, the hollow cavity and porous textures of the Cu_0.4Zn_0.6Fe₂O₄ anode are well retained even after 1000 cycles at 1000 mA g⁻¹. The synergistic effect among the different cations, as well as the nano-dimension coupled with a hollow interior and surface porosity of the electrode materials, not only facilitate Li-ion and electron transportation kinetics but also accommodate large volume expansion.