Facile synthesis of a cube-shaped MnO@C composite as a long-life anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Manganese oxides are promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries due to their high specific capacities and excellent chemical stability. However, the considerable volume expansion/contraction that occurs during their charge/discharge process limits their practical application. Herein, a cube-shaped MnO@C composite was prepared by calcining the MnCO3/C precursor, which exhibited a high reversible capacity (1254.7 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1) and a high rate performance (605 mAh g−1 at 2.0 A g−1). Moreover, the MnO@C composite delivered a discharge capacity of 797.8 mAh g−1 at 1.0 A g−1 after 1000 cycles, with negligible capacity fading. Carbon compositing improved the electrical conductivity and structural stability. The numerous channels within the MnO secondary particles facilitated Li+ diffusion. This strategy can provide guidance for preparing other high-performance anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.