Wolframite-type ZnWO₄ Nanorods as New Anodes for Li-Ion Batteries

A divalent wolframite-structure zinc tungstate (ZnWO 4 ) was synthesized using a facile hydrothermal process at 180 °C, with pH adjustment to drive the preferential growth along the [100] direction, resulting in the formation of one-dimensional nanorods. The resulting nanorods were characterized in detail using X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller measurements. In addition, the Li electroactivities of the ZnWO 4 nanorods were investigated using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic cycling. The ZnWO 4 nanorods could deliver reversibly sustained high capacities of over 420 mAh g –1 after 150 cycles, which are much higher than those of graphite-based anodes.