2D carbon-supported MnO@C nanoparticles for high capacity and long life lithium-ion battery anode enabled by a relatively green and facile method

Abstract

MnO is regarded as a promising alternative anode for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its large specific capacity. Nonetheless, low intrinsical conductivity and large volumetric change of the MnO anode cause fast capacity fading during cycle, and hence its practical use in LIBs is hindered. In spite of many effective solutions for above problems, most of them involve requirement of harmful chemicals or special equipments, are not conducive to development of MnO anode. Herein, a relatively green and facile method is demonstrated to prepare a two dimensional (2D) MnO/C composite (MnO NPs@C Ps), consisting of carbon-coated MnO nanoparticles anchored on 2D carbon plates. The results confirm outstanding electrochemical performances of the MnO NPs@C Ps anode in terms of high capacities and ultra-long lifespan, with 1046.8 mA h g−1 after 500 cycles at 200 mA g−1 as well as 463 mA h g−1 after even 1500 cycles at 1000 mA g−1. The combination of the materials and electrochemical characterizations demonstrates that the rational synergistic effects of nano-sized MnO particles and 2D carbon support contribute to thus outstanding electrochemical performances of the MnO NPs@C Ps anode. It is believed that this work may provide a meaningful insight into development of other advanced metal oxides/carbon composite anodes.