Research on modification and electrochemical properties of zinc-doped spherical CuO nanomaterials

Cu_1-xZn_xO samples were synthesized by doping spherical CuO nanomaterials with varying amounts of Zn²⁺ using the hydrothermal method. The samples exhibited more spherical particles and higher crystallinity when the molar ratio of Zn²⁺ to Cu²⁺ was 1:50, but their morphology became agglomerated and inhomogeneous as the doping amount increased. Electrochemical performance tests showed that appropriate Zn doping could improve lithium storage capacity, enhance structural stability, and alleviate volume expansion, thereby improving electrochemical performance. However, excessive Zn doping disrupted sample morphology and decreased electrochemical performance compared to pure CuO samples. Synthesizing Cu_1-xZn_xO via hydrothermal methods provides a faster synthesis route for cathode materials with good capacity.