In this study we synthesized samples of zinc ferrite particles with carbon shell, obtained with “classical” and novel simplified method. All samples were characterized by XRD, FTIR, CHN, SEM, Raman, Arrhenius plots of conductivity and XPS, including determining amounts of oxygen vacancies. The obtained samples are spherical aggregates (∼140 nm) of ZnFe2O4 nanospheres (∼20 nm). It was demonstrated that the sample synthesized in solvothermal conditions contain partially transformed to carbon chemisorbed ethylene glycol oligomers on their surface. These oligomers form a carbon shell during the annealing process, opening up a perspective for easy, fast and cheap developing of new anode materials. In addition, it was shown that the amount of oxygen vacancies has an impact on the capacity in the first discharge cycle. The effects of annealing on the electrochemical properties of ZnFe2O4-electrodes were investigated. The sample after annealing (ZFO) with a PVDF binder showed an initial charge and discharge capacity of 878/1231 mAh·g⁻1 and a reversible specific capacity 23 % higher compared to the unannealed sample.