One-Step Pyro-Synthesis of a Nanostructured Mn3O4/C Electrode with Long Cycle Stability for Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Batteries

A nanostructured Mn3O4/C electrode was prepared by a one-step polyol-assisted pyro-synthesis without any post-heat treatments. The as-prepared Mn3O4/C revealed nanostructured morphology comprised of secondary aggregates formed from carbon-coated primary particles of average diameters ranging between 20 and 40nm, as evidenced from the electron microscopy studies. The N-2 adsorption studies reveal a hierarchical porous feature in the nanostructured electrode. The nanostructured morphology appears to be related to the present rapid combustion strategy. The nanostructured porous Mn3O4/C electrode demonstrated impressive electrode properties with reversible capacities of 666mAhg(-1) at a current density of 33mAg(-1), good capacity retentions (1141mAhg(-1) with 100% Coulombic efficiencies at the 100(th) cycle), and rate capabilities (307 and 202mAhg(-1) at 528 and 1056mAg(-1), respectively) when tested as an anode for lithium-ion battery applications.