Custom designed ZnMn2O4/nitrogen doped graphene composite anode validated for sodium ion battery application

Abstract

For the first time, pH control driven synthesised ZnMn₂O₄ nanoparticles embedded in nitrogen doped graphene sheets (ZMO/NG) have been validated as a sodium ion battery anode that exhibits superior electrochemical performance than a pristine ZnMn₂O₄ anode. Sodium-ion chemistry, known for its sustainable and economically viable storage solution providing strategy is gaining paramount importance especially when supported with eco-benign and abundantly available metal(s) based electrode assembly. In this regard, a ZnMn₂O₄/NG anode exhibits a stable and appreciable capacity of 170 mA h g⁻¹ up to 1000 cycles at 100 mA g⁻¹ and an excellent rate capability up to 10 A g⁻¹. The currently observed superior electrochemical performance of the title anode may be ascribed to the synergistic effect of presence of ZnMn₂O₄ nanoparticles decorated with the sheets of nitrogen doped graphene in a desirable manner so as to reap the advantages of nitrogen doped graphene in terms of enhanced electrode conductivity, maintenance of structural integrity upon cycling and the effective accommodation of volume changes during charging and discharging. The ZnMn₂O₄/nitrogen doped graphene composite anode of the present study finds its place as a better performing SIB anode for extended cycles and excellent rate capability applications.