MOF-derived ZnO/ZnFe2O4@RGO nanocomposites with high lithium storage performance

ZnO/ZnFe₂O₄@reduced graphene oxide (RGO) nanocomposites have been successfully synthesized through annealing treatment of Zn/Fe MOF-5@GO composites. The ZnO/ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles with a diameter of 12–15 nm are evenly distributed on the surface of RGO. The ZnO/ZnFe₂O₄@RGO nanocomposites show superior rate capacity and cyclic stability of 655 mAh/g after 200 cycles at 0.2 A/g for lithium ion battery (LIB) anode. The superior electrochemical property benefits from the unique structure of ZnO/ZnFe₂O₄@RGO nanocomposites, which can provide a buffer space for volume expansion, and enhance conductivity in the charge/discharge cycle.

     

Preparation,characterization and activity evaluation of p–n junction photocatalyst p-NiO/n-ZnO

In this paper, p–n junction photocatalyst NiO/ZnO was prepared by the sol–gel method using Ni (NO₃)₂ and zinc acetate as the raw materials. The structural and optical properties of the p–n junction photocatalyst NiO/ZnO were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, UV–Vis diffuse reflection spectrum (DRS) and the fluorescence emission spectra. The photocatalytic activity of the photocatalyst was evaluated by photocatalytic reduction of Cr₂O₇ ²⁻ and photocatalytic oxidation of methyl orange (MO). The results showed that the photocatalytic activity of the p–n junction photocatalyst NiO/ZnO is much higher than that of ZnO on the photocatalytic reduction of Cr₂O₇ ²⁻. However, the photocatalytic activity of the photocatalyst is much lower than that of ZnO on the photocatalytic oxidation of methyl orange. Namely, the p–n junction photocatalyst NiO/ZnO has higher photocatalytic reduction activity, but lower photocatalytic oxidation activity. The heat treatment condition also influences the photocatalytic activity strongly, and the best preparation condition is about 400 °C for 2 h. Effect of the heat treatment condition on the photocatalytic activity of the photocatalyst was also investigated. The mechanisms of influence on the photocatalytic activity were discussed by the p–n junction principle.     

Fe2O3/ZnO/ZnFe2O4 composites for the efficient photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes under visible light

In this study, novel ternary Fe₂O₃/ZnO/ZnFe₂O₄ (ZFO) composites were successfully prepared through a simple hydrothermal reaction with subsequent thermal treatment. The as-prepared products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) measurement, and UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV–vis DRS). The photocatalytic degradation of rhodamine B (Rh B) under visible light irradiation indicated that the ZFO composites calcined at 500 °C has the best photocatalytic activity (the photocatalytic degradation efficiency can reach up to 95.7% within 60 min) and can maintain a stable photocatalytic degradation efficiency for at least three cycles. In addition, the photocatalytic activity of ZFO composites toward dye decomposition follows the order cationic Rh B > anionic methyl orange. Finally, using different scavengers, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals were identified as the primary active species during the degradation reaction of Rh B.     

ZnO–Al2O3–CeO2–Ce2O3 mixed metal oxides as a promising photocatalyst for methyl orange photocatalytic degradation

In this research article, ZnO–Al₂O₃–CeO₂–Ce₂O₃ mixed metal oxides phases were prepared by calcination of Zn–Al/Ce–CO₃ layered double hydroxides (LDH) precursors, and evaluated for the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) as a model textile dye from aqueous solution under UV irradiation. First, Zn–Al–CO₃ and a series of Zn–Al/Ce–CO₃ with different Ce content (5, 10, 15, 20%) were synthesized through co-precipitation method at Zn/(Al+Ce) molar ratio (r) of 3, then subjected to calcination at 500 °C for 6 h. Samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analysis and pH point of zero charge. The experimental results of the photodegradation reveal that the photocatalyst developed from Zn–Al–Ce10%-CO₃ LDH exhibits the highest photocatalytic activity, with a degradation efficiency of 99.8% after 300 min of irradiation. This performance was mainly ascribed to the presence of difference state of Ce, leading a highest separation efficiency of electrons and holes. The recycling tests suggests a much high photostability and reusability of the photocatalyst.     

Maximizing the synergistic effect on accelerated photoelectron transfer of TiO2 by double Z-scheme heterojunctions and specific oxygen vacancies

Photocatalysis is an ideal technology for environmental applications, but its efficiency is severely limited by slow kinetics and low efficiency of carrier separation. Herein, a photocatalyst (TiO₂–Bi₂Ti₂O₇-600 °C) with homotypic growth possessing double Z-scheme heterojunctions was successfully synthesized by the growth of mixed crystalline phase TiO₂ on the surface of Bi₂Ti₂O₇. The carrier separation efficiency of the heterojunctions was enhanced by the photo-ferroelectricity of Bi₂Ti₂O_7. Simultaneously, the interface-fused TiO₂/Bi₂Ti₂O₇ provided stability for carrier transport between heterojunctions. Modern instrumental characterization confirmed that oxygen vacancies mainly exist in Bi–O structural units provided by Bi₂Ti₂O₇ and that the carrier separation efficiency of the double Z-scheme heterojunctions was significantly higher than that of the single Z-scheme heterojunctions. Density-of-states calculations based on the first principle confirmed that the carrier separation efficiency was higher when the oxygen vacancies presented in the Bi–O structural units than they presented in the Ti–O structural units. TiO₂–Bi₂Ti₂O₇-600 °C could accomplish the complete degradation of Rh–B (10 mg/L) in aqueous environment within 80 min, instead of only contributing to the destruction of conjugated chromogenic groups in Rh–B. This photocatalyst with stable structure, multiple carrier transport channels, and sufficient oxygen vacancies enables the photoelectrons to concentrate on the confinement effect, opening a novel avenue for the design strategy of new-generation photocatalysts in environmental wastewater applications.     

Enhanced Photocatalytic Degradation of 17α‐Ethinylestradiol Exhibited by Multifunctional ZnFe2O4–Ag/rGO Nanocomposite Under Visible Light

In this paper, ZnFe₂O₄, a visible light active photocatalyst, was comodified by graphene oxide (GO) and Ag nanoparticles (NPs) to form ZnFe₂O₄–Ag/rGO nanocomposite (NC) by facile one‐pot hydrothermal method. Reduction of GO and formation of ZnFe₂O₄ and Ag nanoparticles occurred simultaneously during hydrothermal reaction. The photocatalytic activity of the NC was investigated under visible light, for the degradation of 17α‐ethinylestradiol (EE2), a nondye compound, which also is an emerging pollutant with endocrine‐disrupting activity. The pseudo rate constant (k′) of as‐synthesized ZnFe₂O₄–Ag/rGO NC was higher by the factor of 14.6 and 5.6 times than the corresponding ZnFe₂O₄ and ZnFe₂O₄/rGO respectively. The synergistic interactions between ZnFe₂O₄, Ag and rGO leading to decreased aggregation of the NPs, increased surface area, better absorption in visible region, effective electron–hole generation transfer. However, in the presence of humic acid (HA), the photosensitization effect was predominated by competitive interaction resulting in only 80% removal of EE2 within the same time. Moreover, the composite can easily be magnetically separated for reuse.     

Photothermal performance of MFe2O4 nanoparticles

Photothermal therapy (PTT) has emerged as one of the promising cancer therapy approaches. As a representative photothermal agent (PTA), magnetite possesses many advantages such as biodegradability and biocompatibility. However, photothermal instability hampers its further application. Herein, we systematically synthesized three kinds of ferrite nanoparticles and detailedly investigated their photothermal effect. Compared with Fe₃O₄ and MnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles, ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles exhibited a superior photothermal effect. After preservation for 70 days, the photothermal effect of Fe₃O₄ and MnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles observably declined while ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles showed slight decrease. Furthermore, in vitro experiment, ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles showed little toxicity to cells and achieved outstanding effect in killing cancer cells under NIR laser irradiation. Overall, through synthesizing and studying three kinds of ferrite MFe₂O₄ nanoparticles, we obtained ferrites as PTAs and learned about their changing trend in photothermal effect, expecting it can inspire further exploration of photothermal agents.     

Leaching kinetics of electric arc furnace dust in nitric acid solutions

Electric arc furnace dust contains mainly ZnO, ZnFe₂O₄, and iron oxides. In this study, chemical composition of ZnO, ZnFe₂O₄, and Fe₂O₃ and leaching kinetics of ZnO, ZnFe₂O₄, and Fe₂O₃ in HNO₃ solutions were investigated. It was seen that the dissolution of ZnO is very fast, therefore the leaching kinetics of ZnO cannot be determined. Kinetic parameters and model equations were derived for the leaching of ZnFe₂O₄ and Fe₂O_3. Leaching kinetics of ZnFe₂O₄ was explained by the pseudohomogeneous reaction model. Activation energy and order of HNO₃ concentration were found to be as 37.5 kJ mol⁻¹ and 0.37, respectively. The model equation was derived as . It was determined that experimental data for the leaching kinetics of Fe₂O₃ best fit with the shrinking core model (SCM). Activation energy and order of HNO₃ concentration were found to be as 51.5 kJ mol⁻¹ and 0.67, respectively The model equation was derived using SCM as _.     

Luminescence and defect centres in Tb3+ doped LaMgAl11O19 phosphors

Terbium (Tb) doped LaMgAl₁₁O₁₉ phosphors have been prepared by the combustion of corresponding metal nitrates (oxidizer) and urea (fuel) at furnace temperature as low as 500 °C. Combustion synthesized powder phosphor was characterized by X-ray diffraction and field emission scanning electron microscopy techniques. LaMgAl₁₁O₁₉ doped with trivalent terbium ions emit weakly in blue and orange light region and strongly in green light region when excited by the ultraviolet light of 261 nm. Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) studies were carried out to study the defect centres induced in the phosphor by gamma irradiation and also to identify the defect centres responsible for the thermally stimulated luminescence (TSL) process. Room temperature ESR spectrum of irradiated phosphor appears to be a superposition of at least two defect centres. One of the centres (centre I) with principal g-values g_∥ = 2.0417 and g_⊥ = 2.0041 is identified as O₂^? ion while centre II with an axially symmetric g-tensor with principal values g_∥= 1.9698 and g_⊥ = 1.9653 is assigned to an F⁺ centre (singly ionized oxygen vacancy). An additional defect centre is observed during thermal annealing experiments and this centre (assigned to F⁺ centre) seems to originate from an F centre (oxygen vacancy with two electrons). The F centre and also the F⁺ centre appear to correlate with the observed high temperature TSL peak in LaMgAl₁₁O₁₉:Tb phosphor.     

α-Fe2O3 supported Bi2WO6 for photocatalytic degradation of gaseous benzene

The Bi₂WO₆/α-Fe₂O₃ composite photocatalyst was synthesized by using goethite as a precursor through hydrothermal-calcination method and characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-Vis reflection spectrometer (DRS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and N₂ adsorption-desorption measurement (BET). These results indicated that the self-made composite photocatalysts had excellent catalytic performance of degradation of gaseous benzene. When benzene initial concentration at 50 mg/m³, over the α-FeOOH/Bi₂WO₆ with molar mass of 0.8:1, calcined at 350 °C for 2 h and the pH of precursor solution was 3, the benzene degradation rate reached 71.9% and the mineralization efficiency reached 67.7% after 220 min UV irradiation, respectively. The h⁺ and O₂⁻ generated in the photocatalytic system should be played a pivotal role for the enhanced photodegradation performance of gaseous benzene.     

Magnetic retrievable Ag/AgBr/ZnFe2O4 photocatalyst for efficient removal of organic pollutant under visible light

In the present work, a visible-light-driven Ag/AgBr/ZnFe₂O₄ photocatalyst has been successfully synthesized via a deposition–precipitation and photoreduction method. The crystal structure, chemical composition, morphology and optical properties of the as-prepared nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscope, UV–vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and photoluminescence. The photocatalytic activities of the Ag/AgBr/ZnFe₂O₄ nanocomposites were evaluated through the photodegradation of gaseous toluene and methyl orange (MO) under visible light. The results revealed that the as-prepared Ag/AgBr/ZnFe₂O₄ nanocomposite exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity. The degrading efficiency of MO could still reach 90% after four cycles, and the Ag/AgBr/ZnFe₂O₄ nanocomposite could be recycled easily by a magnet. Additionally, the enhanced photocatalytic mechanism was discussed according to the trapping experiments, which indicated that the photo-generated holes (h⁺) and •O₂⁻ played important roles in photodegradation process. At last, a possible photocatalytic oxidation pathways of toluene was proposed based on the results of GC–MS. The Ag/AgBr/ZnFe₂O₄ composites showed potential application for efficient removal of organic pollutant.     

Preparation and characterization of magnetic TiO2/ZnFe2O4 photocatalysts by a sol–gel method

A magnetic TiO₂/ZnFe₂O₄ photocatalyst was prepared by a sol-gel method, and X-ray diffraction (XRD), magnetic and photocatalytic properties analysis were employed to characterize this photocatalyst. The XRD results show that ZnFe₂O₄ can prevent the transformation of titania from anatase to rutile. The magnetic properties analysis indicates that TiO₂/ZnFe₂O₄ is of large saturation magnetization value and low coercivity. The photocatalytic experimental results show that TiO₂/ZnFe₂O₄=3 and 4 are superior in photocatalytic reactivity to other proportions. TEM shows that TiO₂/ZnFe₂O₄ has a fine core-shell fabric. After being used for four times during the photocatalytic reaction, the TiO₂/ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles have good photocatalytic stability.     

Synthesis of nano-sized Ag3PW12O40/ZnO heterojunction as a photocatalyst for degradation of organic pollutants under simulated sunlight

With the rapid development of the world economy, water pollution has become increasingly serious. The photocatalytic degradation of pollutants is one of the most promising environmental treatment techniques. In this study, novel Ag₃PW₁₂O₄₀/ZnO nanoheterojunction was successfully constructed via a chemical process and was then characterized using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis, and photoluminescence measurements. The synthesized nanoheterojunction exhibited good crystallinity and dispersity. The particle diameter of the composite was approximately 800 nm, the bandgap was 2.92 eV, and the specific surface area was approximately 10.5 m².g^?1. Under optimum conditions, the photocatalyst degraded 82.1% RhB in 60 min. Moreover, the novel Ag₃PW₁₂O₄₀/ZnO heterojunction also exhibited an excellent recycling stability. Hydroxyl radicals, superoxide radicals, and holes played important roles in the photocatalytic degradation process. A possible mechanism for the enhanced photocatalytic performance of the nanoheterojunction was proposed. This work provides a strong foundation for the application of Ag₃PW₁₂O₄₀/ZnO nanoheterojunction for treating environmental organic pollutants.     

Statistical modeling of <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-nitrophenol degradation using a response surface methodology (RSM) over nano zero-valent iron-modified Degussa P25-TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript>/ZnO photocatalyst with persulfate

Zero-valent iron-modified Degussa P25-TiO₂/ZnO nanocomposites (denoted as P25/Fe⁰/ZnO) were designed and prepared via Fe⁰ impregnation of P25-TiO₂/ZnO and then were employed in the visible-light photocatalytic degradation of p-nitrophenol (PNP) in the presence of [K₂S₂O₈]. Central composite design was applied for response surface modeling (RSM) to understand the influence of selected factors (pH, [Fe⁰] wt% and [K₂S₂O₈] concentration) on the degradation of PNP and to determine the interaction between the factors. The maximal PNP degradation efficiency (86.9%) was obtained with P25/1.5 wt% Fe⁰/ZnO at 3 mg/L of [K₂S₂O₈] concentration and pH 7.5. In addition, the RSM showed a satisfactory correlation between the experimental and predicted values of PNP degradation. The P25/Fe⁰/ZnO photocatalyst performance was also examined degrading methyl orange and phenol and high degradation efficiency, 82 and 99%, was achieved, respectively. The structure, morphology, light absorption and photocatalytic properties of as-prepared P25/Fe⁰/ZnO were studied using TEM, BET, XRD, FTIR and DRS.     

Investigation of photocatalytic mineralisation of Acridine Yellow G dye by BaCrO4 in the presence of eco-friendly LEDs irradiation

Degradation of toxic organic pollutants and dyes from industrial wastewater by photocatalysis is an environmentally friendly technique. The degradation of Acridine Yellow G (AYG) was investigated in aqueous solutions employing BaCrO₄ as a heterogeneous photocatalyst under eco-friendly LED irradiation. We studied the mineralisation kinetics of AYG by monitoring the dye concentration and chemical oxygen demand (COD) as a function of time. The impact of pH, concentrationdye, reactants, catalyst, Fenton reagent, salt effect, and temperature on the kinetics were investigated. The initial addition of optimal amounts of hydrogen peroxide and potassium persulfate increased the degradation rate, while NaCl and Na₂CO₃ retarded the reaction. The efficiency of visible light, LED (12 ?W) irradiation, compared with the traditional visible light source, the halogen lamp (500 ?W). At the optimum pH 10, the AYG degradation obeyed pseudo-first-order kinetics. With BaCrO₄ asa heterogeneous photocatalyst, complete mineralisation of AYG was achieved in 35 ?min. This process is green, eco-friendly, and the catalyst is easily recoverable and reusable five times without loss of catalytic efficiency.     

Synthesis of Fe3O4/CuO/ZnO/RGO and its catalytic degradation of dye wastewater using dielectric barrier discharge plasma

The design of an efficient and green dye degradation technology is of great significance to mitigate water pollution as well as ecological damage. Fe₃O₄/CuO/ZnO/RGO was prepared by solvothermal synthesis and homogeneous precipitation. X-ray diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and vibrating-sample magnetometry (VSM) were used to characterize the samples, to explore the morphology and structural composition of the composites. To enhance the degradation efficiency, a dielectric barrier discharge (DBD)–Fe₃O₄/CuO/ZnO/RGO co-catalytic system was created based on the DBD plasma technology. Response surface methodology analysis results demonstrate that the degradation effect of DBD–Fe₃O₄/CuO/ZnO/RGO is optimal and the decolorization rate is 95.06 % when the solution pH is 3, conductivity is 0.5 mS/cm, the input voltage is 90 V, and Fe₃O₄/CuO/ZnO/RGO concentration is 0.18 g/L. Therefore, this study offers a novel method for dye degradation and confirms the viability of a DBD–Fe₃O₄/CuO/ZnO/RGO synergistic catalytic system.     

Heterojunction α-Fe2O3/ZnO Films with Enhanced Photocatalytic Properties Grown by Aerosol-Assisted Chemical Vapour Deposition

Type I heterojunction films of α-Fe₂O₃/ZnO are reported here as a non-titania based photocatalyst, which shows remarkable enhancement in the photocatalytic properties towards stearic acid degradation under UVA-light exposure (λ=365 nm), with a quantum efficiency of ξ=4.42±1.54×10⁻⁴ molecules degraded/photon, which was about 16 times greater than that of α-Fe₂O₃, and 2.5 times greater than that of ZnO. Considering that the degradation of stearic acid requires 104 electron transfers for each molecule, this represents an overall quantum efficiency of 4.60 % for the α-Fe₂O₃/ZnO heterojunction. Time-resolved transient absorption spectroscopy (TAS) revealed the charge-carrier behaviour responsible for this increase in activity. Photogenerated electrons, formed in the ZnO layer, were transferred into the α-Fe₂O₃ layer on the pre-μs timescale, which reduced electron–hole recombination. This increased the lifetime of photogenerated holes formed in ZnO, which oxidise stearic acid. The heterojunction α-Fe₂O₃/ZnO films grown herein show potential environmental applications as coatings for self-cleaning windows and surfaces.     

A Novel Approach for Generation of Oxygen Vacancies in Trirutile MnSb2O6 and Their Impact on Photocatalytic Degradation of MO Dye

Visible light-driven photocatalysis has gained much attention due to its light-harnessing characteristics and is extensively used in wastewater remediation. This paper presents a novel oxygen-deficient manganese antimonate, MnSb₂O_6-x, with a trirutile structure as an effective visible-light-driven photocatalyst for dye degradation. The synthesized samples were subjected to XRD, UV-Vis DRS, SEM-EDS, Raman, XPS, and PL analyses to study their physic chemical properties. The influence of sequential or single heating during the preparation method on the generation of oxygen vacancies is evaluated using UV-Vis DRS, XPS, ESR, and Raman techniques. The oxygen-deficient MnSb₂O₆ could achieve up to 85 % of MO degradation in 180 min under visible light irradiation, and its reusability up to six cycles was also investigated. In addition, the mechanism of dye degradation was supported with a scavenger test, and the degradation activities are correlated to the electron-hole pair separation as convinced from the PL spectra. The simple and unique method of oxygen vacancy generation can inspire the development of antimonates with oxygen deficiencies, which have significant scope of application in environmental and energy conservation.     

Magnetically separable ZnO/ZnFe2O4 and ZnO/CoFe2O4 photocatalysts supported onto nitrogen doped graphene for photocatalytic degradation of toxic dyes

Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) counting heterogeneous photocatalysis has confirmed as one of the preeminent method for waste water remediation. In the present work, we have successfully fabricated novel visible-light-driven nitrogen-doped graphene (NG) supported magnetic ZnO/ZnFe₂O₄ (ZnO/ZF/NG) and ZnO/CoFe₂O₄ (ZnO/CF/NG) nanocomposites. ZnO synthesized via direct precipitation method. Hydrothermal method was used for the preparation of nitrogen-doped graphene supported magnetic ZnO/ZF (ZnO/ZnFe₂O₄) and ZnO/CF (ZnO/CoFe₂O₄) nanocomposites. The procured materials were scrutinized by assorted characterizations to acquire information on their chemical composition, crystalline structure and photosensitive properties. The absorption and photocatalytic performance of photocatalysts were studied via UV–Visible spectra. Photodegradation performance of the synthesized nanocomposites was estimated toward mineralization of methyl orange (MO) and malachite green (MG) dyes in aqueous solution. The high surface area of ZnO/ZF/NG and ZnO/CF/NG was suitable for adsorptive removal of MO and MG dyes. The photodegradation performance of heterojunction photocatalysts was superior to bare photocatalyst in 140 min under visible-light irradiation. Spectrophotometer, GC–MS (Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) elucidation was carried out to expose the possible intermediates formed. Both ZnO/ZF/NG and ZnO/CF/NG were rapidly isolated from the aqueous phase by applying an external magnetic field in 20 sec and 2 min, respectively. The photocatalytic performance and stability of ZnO/ZF/NG and ZnO/CF/NG nanocomposites were confirmed by conducting 10 consecutive regeneration cycles. Owing to recyclability of ZnO/ZF/NG and ZnO/CF/NG, these heterogeneous nanocomposites might be used as cost-effective for treatment of discarded water. The observations endorse that the synthesized ternary heterogeneous nanocomposites facilitates wastewater decontamination using photocatalytic technology.     

Lithium storage in hollow spherical ZnFe2O4 as anode materials for lithium ion batteries

Hollow microspheres composed of phase-pure ZnFe₂O₄ nanoparticles (hierarchically structured) have been prepared by hydrothermal reaction. The unique hollow spherical structure significantly increases the specific capacity and improves capacity retention of this material. The product of each phase transition during initial discharge (ZnFe₂O₄ ? Li_0.5ZnFe₂O₄ ? Li₂ZnFe₂O₄ → Li₂O + Li–Zn + Fe) and their structural reversibility are recognized by X-ray diffraction and electrochemical characterization. The products of the deeply discharged (Li–Zn alloy and Fe) and recharged materials (Fe₂O₃) were clarified based on high resolution transmission electron microscopic technique and first-principle calculations.