An extremely stable MnO2 anode incorporated with 3D porous graphene-like networks for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

A rational design of MnO₂/3D porous graphene-like (PG) (denoted as 3D PG–Mn) composites and their fabrication via a simple and cost-effective redox process have been achieved for the first time. The 3D PG can provide a highly conductive structure in conjunction with a large surface area to support good contact between the MnO₂ nanoparticles and effectively enhance the mechanical strength of the composite during volume changes as well as suppress the aggregation of MnO₂ nanoparticles during Li ion insertion/extraction. As a result, the 3D PG–Mn composite with a content of 62.7 wt% MnO₂ shows a highly stable capacity of up to 836 mA h g⁻¹ after 200 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g⁻¹ and reversible high rate charge–discharge performance. Such a highly stable 3D PG–Mn composite can be produced on a large-scale and might have even wider applications as an anode material in lithium-ion batteries.