In situ growth Zn2GeO4 nanorods network on 3D conductive foam as free standing electrode for sodium-ion batteries.

• Zn 2 GeO 4 nanorods were anchored on nickel foam as a binder free anode for SIBs. • Zn 2 GeO 4 @NF anode shows 3D interlinked porous network structure. • The Zn 2 GeO 4 @NF showed excellent electrochemical sodium storage performances. Large-scale energy storage and scarcity of lithium bring exploration interest of high-performance anode materials for sodium-ion batteries (SIBs). Herein, Zn 2 GeO 4 nanorods was anchored directly on nickel foam to form a free standing, binder free anode for SIBs, though a facile hydrothermal method. Benefiting from composite effect of nanorod network structure, conductive network and mechanical stability, the Zn 2 GeO 4 @NF reaches an initial discharge capacity of 882.0 mAh/g and maintains a capacity of 435.6 mAh/g after 400 cycles at 0.1A/g. At a higher current density (2 A/g) Zn 2 GeO 4 @NF also delivers a reversible discharge capacity of 239.7 mAh/g, which is higher than that for the Zn 2 GeO 4 particles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]