Enhanced electrochemical performance of hierarchical CoFe2O4/MnO2/C nanotubes as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

Hierarchical CoFe₂O₄/MnO₂/C nanotubes were prepared by electrospinning and a subsequent hydrothermal method. Their electrochemical properties were investigated for use as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. The CoFe₂O₄/MnO₂/C composite displayed a stable cycling performance with a reversible capacity of 713.6 mA h g⁻¹ after 250 discharge–charge cycles at a current density of 100 mA g⁻¹, much higher than that of CoFe₂O₄/C nanofibers, which displayed a capacity of 200 mA h g⁻¹ after 90 cycles. The improved electrochemical performance could be ascribed to the stable hierarchical structure of the nanocomposite, the existence of carbon, the high active surface area, and the high theoretical capacity of MnO₂. Given their enhanced electrochemical performance, the CoFe₂O₄/MnO₂/C heterostructure composite can be considered as a promising anode for lithium-ion batteries.