LAUSR

Abstract Layered double hydroxides (LDHs), also known as hydrotalcite-like anionic clays, are very convenient precursors with a tunable flexibility toward multifunctional nanomaterials, especially in energy storage. Typical methods to improve lithium storage are to introduce additional or self-generating carbonaceous supports to LDH-derived transition metal oxides as anode nanomaterials which can host lithium mainly though a conversion mechanism. Here, we describe a preparation of mesoporous spinel ferrite composite (MgFe 2 O 4 /ZnFe 2 O 4 ) for lithium storage, which is assisted by a combined conversion and alloying mechanism. The composite is derived by a thermal decomposition of a scalablely produced single-resource precursor of ternary Mg 2+ Zn 2+ Fe 3+ -layered double hydroxide (Mg 2+ Zn 2+ Fe 3+ -LDH), and subsequent selective etching. Electrochemical test shows that the electrode delivers an exceptional electrochemical performance, i.e., a reversible capacity of 1190 mA h g −1 after 100 cycles at 100 mA g −1 , and, in particular, a reversible capacity of 981 mA h g −1  at 500 mA g −1 after 330 cycles, as well as a reversible capacity of 541 mA h g −1  at 2000 mA g −1 after 1000 cycles. The high electrochemical performance could be attributed to the following features: the combined alloying and conversion mechanisms of ZnFe 2 O 4 , synergistic MgFe 2 O 4 , and slight-content MgO as a non-active matrix, as well as an appropriate specific area and mesoporous size distribution. Our results show that the cation-tunable LDH precursor-derived synthesis route might be an alternative to prepare multiple-component composites of spinel ferrites and transition metal oxides.