Constructing hierarchical ZnO@C composites using discarded Sprite and Fanta drinks for enhanced lithium storage

Abstract Both the exploitation of high-performance anode materials for lithium-ions batteries (LIBs) and the recycle of discard carbonated drinks are urgent problems that need to be solved. Herein, we constructed hierarchical ZnO@SC and ZnO@FC using discard Sprite and Fanta drinks as solvent undergoing ordinal solvothermal reaction and annealing. Interconnected carbon skeletons can greatly accelerate the electroconductibility of composites and effectively prevent ZnO nanoparticle from agglomerating. Meanwhile, nanoscale design benefits to assuage the pulverization of ZnO composites caused by repetitive shrinkage/expansion during repeated charge/discharge process. When served as anode for LIBs, both ZnO@SC and ZnO@FC exhibit excellent electrochemical performance. ZnO@FC maintains high discharge capacity of 1157 mAh g−1 after 150 cycles at 0.2 A g−1 and 742 mAh g−1 after 600 cycles even at 1.0 A g−1, showing the most remarkable lithium-storage performance among as-prepared ZnO@C composites. This work opens up a new opportunity for the recycle of discarded carbonated drinks and the application of ZnO@C anode in LIBs.