Facile synthesis of double yolk-shelled MnO/C microspheres as superior anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Tenable structure design is vital in the pursuit of advanced anode materials for enhanced lithium storage, but construction of the desired architectures often faces challenges. Herein, we demonstrate the facile fabrication of double yolk-shelled MnO/C microspheres by annealing the solvothermally synthesized Mn-gluconate microspheres under Ar atmosphere, and the double or single yolk-shell structure can be easily regulated by changing the glucose amount. Benefits brought by the unique structure include enlarged surface area, hierarchical pores, abundant reaction sites and increased ion diffusion rate. Besides, combination of MnO with glucose-derived carbon could not only restrict the volume variation of MnO but also increase the electrical conductivity, bringing improved rate capability and enhanced cycling stability. Thus, a high-rate and stable capacity of 611 mAh g−1 after 500 cycles at 1 A g−1 is observed in the lithium-ion batteries adopting the presented double yolk-shelled MnO/C microspheres as the anode materials, thanks to the synergistic structure and composition advantages. Importantly, this study provides a controllable method to construct delicate multi-shelled structures with simultaneous carbon hybridization, which could be promising in fabrication of advanced electrodes for energy-related applications.