Porous MnFe2O4 microrods as advanced anodes for Li-ion batteries with long cycle lifespan

Abstract

Porous electrode materials with both high rate capabilities and long cycle lives are significant to satisfy the urgent demand of energy storage. Furthermore, a one dimensional structure can facilitate Li⁺ diffusion and accommodate the volume expansion. Here, porous MnFe₂O₄ microrods have been successfully synthesized by a room temperature reaction and then moderate annealing in an Ar atmosphere. The porous MnFe₂O₄ electrodes exhibit high reversible capacity and outstanding cycling stability (after 1000 cycles still maitain about 630 mA h g⁻¹ at the current density of 1 A g⁻¹), as well as high coulombic efficiency (>98%). Moreover, even at a high current density of 4 A g⁻¹, the porous MnFe₂O₄ microrods can still maintain a reversible capacity of 420 mA h g⁻¹. These results demonstrate that the porous MnFe₂O₄ microrods are promising anode materials for high performance Li-ion batteries.