Exploring the Potential of Zinc Ferrite Nanocomposite as an Anode Material in Lithium-Ion Batteries: Integration with Fish Scale-Derived Carbon Support for Enhanced Performance

Abstract

For lithium-ion batteries, excellent anode materials are recognized as ternary zinc-based oxides. Due to metal oxides' poor cycling stability, rapid capacity deterioration, and poor rate performance, their use as battery anodes reduces their applicability. However, by reducing the material's particle size and loading it on activated and non-activated carbon, the electrochemical performance gets improved. ZnFe₂O₄ is prepared hydrothermally and analyzed by an X-ray diffractometer to determine the ZnFe₂O₄ pure phase. SEM data shows that the particle's diameters ranged from 20 to 140 nm. Its 1015 mAh/g capacity after 100 cycles and maintenance cycle stability compared to other anode materials proves it’s an excellent anodic material for lithium-ion batteries.