Flexible, three-dimensional ordered macroporous ZnO electrode with enhanced electrochemical performance in lithium-ion batteries

Metal oxide has attracted large quantities of interests in the field of lithium-ion battery due to its high specific capacity, abundance and environmental benignity. However, the large volume expansion and intrinsic poor electrical conductivity still severely hinder its performance. Herein, a self-supported electrode comprising of three-dimensional ordered macroporous ZnO/Carbon cloth (3DOM ZnO/CC) is prepared through a modified colloid crystal template method. The highly interconnected pores of 3DOM ZnO can alleviate the volume variation, facilitate the penetration of electrolyte and shorten the diffusion distance of Li ions, meanwhile, the tight connection between 3DOM ZnO and carbon cloth can provide continuous transfer path for the electrons, which would substantially enhance the electronic conductivity. When tested as anode in LIBs, the 3DOM ZnO/CC could deliver a high area capacity of 3.19 mAh cm−2 (corresponding capacity is 773 mAh g−1 for the 3DOM ZnO) at the current density of 0.18 mA cm−2 after 100 cycles. The result suggests that combining 3DOM ZnO with the carbon cloth substrate is a reasonable design to improve the electrochemical performance, and it can also be easily expanded to other metal oxide electrode materials. The 3DOM ZnO is directly prepared on the carbon cloth via modified colloidal crystal template method. A remarkable improvement on the reversible capacity is obtained due to the 3DOM structure and its tight connection with carbon cloth. [Display omitted] •Three-dimensional ordered macroporous ZnO is in-situ prepared on carbon cloth (3DOM ZnO/CC).•The 3DOM ZnO/CC electrode exhibits good cyclability and superior rate performance.•The excellent performance can be attributed to both the 3DOM structure and the self-supported configuration.