Effect of ultrasonic power on microstructure and properties of ultrasonic electrodeposited ZnCo2O4 anode nanomaterials

Abstract

Ultrasonic electrodeposition was employed to manufacture ZnCo2O4 anode nanomaterials (ZCOAN), with the objective of utilization as high-performance anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. The influence of ultrasonic power on various characteristics of ZCOAN, including surface morphology, phase composition, crystal structure, and electrochemical properties was also investigated. The results indicated that ZnCo2O4 anode nanomaterials prepared at 600 W demonstrated a spinel surface structure with polyporous dendrite spores and a subcrystalline size of 11.68 nm. Moreover, the prepared ZCOAN material demonstrated polyporous morphological characteristics and well-organized particles. Diffraction peaks were identified at specified angles in all ZCOAN samples: 31.26°, 36.93°, 46.38°, 54.13°, 59.87°, and 66.17° corresponding to the crystallographic planes (200), (311), (400), (422), (511), and (440), respectively. The appearance of these peaks confirms the presence of a spinel structure in the ZCOAN samples. A smaller grain size results in increased gaps and a larger surface area, thereby promoting ion exchange. Therefore, ZnCo2O4 anode nanomaterials synthesized at 600 W showed superior electrochemical performance compared to other samples. They demonstrated the highest charge capacity (∼1176 mAh·g−1), discharge capacity (∼1160 mAh·g−1), and stability, along with a minimal electrical impedance (35.65 Ω) at a constant current density of 150 mA·g−1. Furthermore, the coulomb efficiency of this nanomaterial remained high at 98.6 % after 1200 cycles, indicating its excellent cycling performance.

Keywords

• Ultrasonic power
• ZnCo2O4 anode nanomaterial
• Microstructure
• Lithium storage