An acid-treated reduced graphene oxide/Mn3O4 nanorod nanocomposite as an enhanced anode material for lithium ion batteries

Abstract

This work describes the preparation of an acid-treated reduced graphene oxide/Mn₃O₄ nanorod (ArGO/Mn₃O₄ NR) nanocomposite using a simple mixing and heat treatment of acid-treated graphene oxide (AGO) and MnOOH nanorods (MnOOH NRs). The as-prepared ArGO/Mn₃O₄ NR sample shows a higher performance as an anode material than bare Mn₃O₄ nanorods (Mn₃O₄ NRs) and reduced graphene oxide/Mn₃O₄ nanorods (rGO/Mn₃O₄ NR) in Li-ion batteries (LIBs). The electrochemical performance reveals that the ArGO/Mn₃O₄ NR electrode retains a higher reversible capacity of 749 mA h g⁻¹ after 100 cycles at a current density of 200 mA g⁻¹. In addition, the electrode mixed with ArGO delivers a stable capacity of 412 mA h g⁻¹ at a high current density of 2000 mA g⁻¹ while bare Mn₃O₄ NR and rGO/Mn₃O₄ NR deliver 173 and 318 mA h g⁻¹, respectively. With the advantages of facile preparation and improved electrochemical properties, the ArGO/Mn₃O₄ NR electrode can be a promising candidate as a high-performance anode material for LIBs.