Monoclinic Wolframite ZnWO4/SiO2 nanocomposite as an anode material for lithium ion battery

[Display omitted] •The ZnWO4/SiO2 nanocomposite is synthesized by microwave irradiation method.•The ZnWO4/SiO2 nanocomposite exhibits 570 mAh g−1 discharge capacity and 314 mAh g−1 charge capacity.•The ZnWO4/SiO2 nanocomposite shows excellent electrochemical performance.•The ZnWO4/SiO2 nanocomposite is a good anode material for lithium ion battery. Herein, we report the preparation and characterization of the ZnWO4 and ZnWO4/SiO2 nanocomposite. The ZnWO4/SiO2 nanocomposite exhibits 570 mAh g−1 discharge capacity and 314 mAh g−1 charge capacity at 10 mA g−1 for the primary cycle. The increasing amount of SiO2 in the ZnWO4/SiO2 nanocomposite increases the overall performance of the composite. The synergetic effect between the ZnWO4 and SiO2 enhances the rate capability, specific capacity, cycle stability and coloumbic efficiency of the composite. The good electrochemical performance of ZnWO4/SiO2 nanocomposite makes it a promising anode for Lithium ion battery.