Morphology-tunable synthesis of CuO modified with Cu-Zn/Cu-Sn intermetallic compounds as high-performance anode for lithium-ion batteries

CuO anode modified with intermetallic compounds is conducive to improve its electrochemical performance by enhancing conductivity and structure stability. Herein, CuO modified with Cu5Zn8 and Cu10Sn3 intermetallic compounds, denoted as ZnSn/CuO, was synthesized by etching bronze powder with ammonia solution, and its morphology can be easily controlled by adjusting the content of ammonia solution. The obtained hollow wool-ball-like ZnSn/CuO constructed with nanosheets has a high reversible capacity of 846.9 mA h g(-1) after 200 cycles at a current density of 500 mA g(-1). ZnSn/CuO achieves excellent rate performance and cycling stability due to the improved conductivity and buffered volume expansion, benefiting from the existence of intermetallic compounds and unique nano-structure mechanism. Therefore, the outstanding electrochemical property and this novel synthesis route make ZnSn/CuO become a potential anode material for lithium-ion batteries. (C) 2021 Published by Elsevier B.V.