ZnFe2O4/C nanodiscs as high performance anode material for lithium-ion batteries

ZnFe2O4/C composites have been prepared through a molten salt route combined with a carbonization process using glucose as carbon source. The field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy confirm that the as-prepared ZnFe2O4/C is composed of nanodiscs with the thickness of 100–200nm. The electrochemical measurement depicts that the ZnFe2O4/C electrode exhibits good cycle ability and rate capacity. A specific capacity of 965mAhg−1 can be maintained after 100 cycles at the current density of 100mAg–1. When the current density is increased to 2000mAg−1, the specific capacity still remains at 595mAhg−1 after 50 cycles. •ZnFe2O4/C nanodiscs are prepared through molten salt method.•ZnFe2O4/C nanodiscs exhibit high rate capacity and cycle stability.•The prepared samples deliver a reversible capacity of 595mAhg−1 at 2000mAg−1.