Synthesis and electrochemical properties of ZnMn2O4 with hollow porous panpipe-like structure as anode material for Li-ion battery

•ZnMn2O4 sample is synthesized by a carbon gel–combustion method and a hard template strategy.•The as–obtained ZnMn2O4 sample has a hollow panpipe–like structure with rich pore characteristics.•The discharge capacity can still reach 518.8 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 500 mA g−1.•The excellent properties would be mainly attributed to its special micro–nano structure. In this work, ZnMn2O4 anode material with excellent lithium storage performance is prepared by combining the carbon gel–combustion method and the hard template strategy (a polypropylene membrane with high porosity). The as–obtained ZnMn2O4 sample has a hollow panpipe–like structure with rich pore characteristics. The phase composition, micro–nano structure, crystallinity, pore size distribution, specific surface area, element distribution and valence state of the samples are systematically tested and analyzed by XRD, ICP–AES, FESEM, TEM, HRTEM, N2 adsorption/desorption measurement and XPS. When assembled into a half–cell with metallic lithium as the counter electrode, the ZnMn2O4 electrode material exhibits higher reversible capacity (under low and high current densities), excellent cycle stability and rate capability with better dynamic properties compared with the ZnMn2O4 sample obtained without using the organic template agent. Porous structure characteristics, small particle size, high specific surface area, high crystallinity and special micro–nano structure help to effectively improve the kinetic properties and structural stability of the electrode material during charge/discharge processes for achieving high energy and power densities. [Display omitted]