MOF-Derived ZnO/Ni3ZnC0.7/C Hybrids Yolk–Shell Microspheres with Excellent Electrochemical Performances for Lithium Ion Batteries

In this study, ZnO/Ni3ZnC0.7/C spheres were synthesized successfully via a simple method based on metal–organic frameworks (MOFs). The experimental results show that the reaction time has a great influence on the structure of the material. ZnO/Ni3ZnC0.7/C spheres with controlled solid and yolk–shell structures have been obtained by altering the reaction time. When applied as anode materials, both the solid and the yolk–shell ZnO/Ni3ZnC0.7/C composites present excellent electrochemical performance. In addition, it is worth mentioning that the yolk–shell structure composite’s property is superior to that of the solid one’s in terms of lithium storage. The stable reversible capacity of yolk–shell ZnO/Ni3ZnC0.7/C can be retained at 1002 mA h g–1 at 500 mA g–1 after completion of 750 cycles, and it also exhibits superior rate performance. In contrast, the solid ZnO/Ni3ZnC0.7/C under the same conditions of testing shows a reversible capacity of 824 mA h g–1.