Effects of Carbon Content and Current Density on the Li+ Storage Performance for MnO@C Nanocomposite Derived from Mn-Based Complexes

Abstract

In this study, a simple method was adopted for the synthesis of MnO@C nanocomposites by combining in-situ reduction and carbonization of the Mn3O4 precursor. The carbon content, which was controlled by altering the annealing time in the C2H2/Ar atmosphere, was proved to have great influences on the electrochemical performances of the samples. The relationships between the carbon contents and electrochemical performances of the samples were systematically investigated using the cyclic voltammetry (CV) as well as the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) method. The results clearly indicated that the carbon content could influence the electrochemical performances of the samples by altering the Li+ diffusion rate, electrical conductivity, polarization, and the electrochemical mechanism. When being used as the anode materials in lithium-ion batteries, the capacity retention rate of the resulting MnO@C after 300 cycles could reach 94% (593 mAh g−1, the specific energy of 182 mWh g−1) under a current density of 1.0 A g−1 (1.32 C charge/discharge rate). Meanwhile, this method could be easily scaled up, making the rational design and large-scale application of MnO@C possible.