Three-dimensional hierarchical ZnCo(2)O(4)@C(3)N(4)-B nanoflowers as high-performance anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

ZnCo(2)O(4) has become one of the most widely used anode materials due to its good specific capacity, cost-efficiency, high thermal stability and environmental benignity. However, its poor conductivity and cycle stability have limited its practical application in lithium-ion batteries. To overcome these issues, we constructed a 3D nanoflower composite material (ZnCo(2)O(4)@C(3)N(4)-B) by combining ZnCo(2)O(4) as a framework and B-doped g-C(3)N(4) (g-C(3)N(4)-B) as a new carbon source material via a simple hydrothermal method. ZnCo(2)O(4)@C(3)N(4)-B exhibited exceptional specific capacitance of 919.76 mA h g(−1) after 500 cycles at 0.2 A g(−1) and a long-term capacity retention of 97.8% after 1000 cycles at 2 A g(−1). The high reversible capacity, long cycling life and good rate performance could be attributed to the 3D interconnected architecture and doping of g-C(3)N(4)-B. This work provides a simple and general strategy to design high-performance anode materials for lithium-ion batteries to meet the needs of practical applications.