Synthesis of Zn3V2O7(OH)2•2H2O microspheres as novel anode material for lithium-ion battery application

A facile solvothermal method was used to synthesize Zn3V2O7(OH)(2)center dot 2H(2)O firstly. A series of time for synthesis was explored to study the effect of different reaction time on its morphology. Characterizations by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that Zn3V2O7(OH)(2)center dot 2H(2)O microspheres with high purity was self-assembly from nanosheets. Electrochemical measurements showed that the Zn3V2O7(OH)(2)center dot 2H(2)O microspheres obtained at 24 h showed a higher reversible-specific capacity of 1240.8 mAh g(-1) and excellent cycling stability as well as higher rate capability. The reasons that Zn3V2O7(OH)(2)center dot 2H(2)O showed good electrochemical properties were also presented. The Zn3V2O7(OH)(2)center dot 2H(2)O is a promising candidate having high capacity, low cost, and environmentally friendly anode material for lithium ion battery application.