Mn-doped ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles with enhanced performances as anode materials for lithium ion batteries

Nanocrystalline Zn1−xMnxFe2O4 (x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08, 0.1) have been successfully synthesized by one-step hydrothermal method. The morphologies and electrochemical performance of Mn-doped ZnFe2O4 in various proportions were investigated at room temperature, respectively. The Zn1−xMnxFe2O4 (x = 0.04) electrode in the as-synthesized samples showed the highest specific capacity of 1547 mA h g−1 and 1157 mA h g−1 in the initial discharge/charge process, with a coulombic efficiency of 74.8%. Additionally, excellent cycling stability was performed with a 1214 mA h g−1 capacity retention at a current density of 100 mA g−1 after 50 cycles. The corresponding mechanism was proposed which indicated that the Mn-doped ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles experienced an aggregation thermochemical reaction among ZnO, MnO and Fe2O3 subparticles.