3-Dimensional cuboid structured ZnFe₂O₄@C nano-whiskers as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries based on the in situ graft polymerization method

3-Dimensional cuboid structured ZnFe₂O₄@C nano-whiskers anode materials have been successfully synthesized via an in situ graft copolymerization method and the subsequent calcination process. Polystyrene-acrylonitrile (PSA) serves as the coating layer, which plays an important role in the calcination process. The final electrode materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results of electrochemical tests demonstrate an excellent electrochemical performance, including good rate capability (over 700 mA h g^-1 at the current density of 3.2 A g^-1) and good cycling performance (a reversible capacity of 1722 mA h g^-1 after 120 cycles with coulombic efficiency of 98.4%). Therefore, we believe that the proposed work may be a potential method to assist ZnFe₂O₄ to be a quite promising alternative anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs).