3D hierarchical porous ZnFe2O4 nano/micro structure as a high-performance anode material for lithium-ion batteries

3D porous nano/micro ZnFe2O4 was successfully synthesized from the leach liquor of jarosite residue. When evaluated as anode material for LIBs, this 3D porous nano/micro ZnFe2O4 exhibits high reversible capacity, excellent rate capability, and superior cycling stability. [Display omitted] •3D porous nano/micro ZnFe2O4 was prepared from the leach liquor of jarosite residue.•The 3D porous nano/micro ZnFe2O4 exhibits superior lithium storage performance.•The ZnFe2O4 shows an obvious capacitive effect during discharge/charge processes.•Preparing high performance ZnFe2O4 materials from industrial wastes is proposed. 3D porous nano/micro ZnFe2O4 has been prepared from the leach liquor of jarosite residue via a facile chemical coprecipitation method followed by sintering at 800 °C in air atmosphere. As anode material for lithium ion batteries, the prepared ZnFe2O4 exhibits high specific capacity, excellent rate capability, and good cycling stability, which can be due to the beneficial effects of primary nanocrystals of ZnFe2O4, the unique 3D porous nano/micro structure, and the associated pseudo-capacitive behavior during discharge/charge processes.