Assembly of MnCO3 nanoplatelets synthesized at low temperature on graphene to achieve anode materials with high rate performance for lithium-ion batteries

A novel kind of MnCO3 nanoplatelets-reduced graphene oxide (RGO) composites, as an anode material in rechargeable Li-ion battery, was prepared by a simple low temperature reaction route. The graphene not only provided an avenue for the transport of Li-ion, but also buffered the volume expansion of MnCO3 nanoplatelets during charge and discharge. Compared to pure MnCO3 nanoplatelets, MnCO3-RGO composites presented the improved electrochemical performances. At a low current density of 100 mA g(-1), MnCO3-RGO composites delivered a desired performance of 849.1 mAh g(-1) after 200 cycles. When at a high current density of 500 mA g(-1), the discharge capacity still maintained at 810.9 mAh g(-1) after 700 cycles. Our experimental results suggest that this composite will be a candidate as a novel anode material for the power batteries of electric vehicles and the energy storage batteries of smart grids in the future. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.