Hierarchical self-assembly of Mn2Mo3O8–graphene nanostructures and their enhanced lithium-storage properties

Abstract

Hierarchically nanostructured Mn₂Mo₃O₈–graphene nanocomposites have been successfully synthesized in large quantities through a facile two-step reduction approach. The unique Mn₂Mo₃O₈–graphene nanohybrids are composed of graphene-wrapped secondary microspheres of ∼3–5 μm in diameter that are built from many Mn₂Mo₃O₈ nanosheets with thicknesses of 10–15 nm and widths of 80–120 nm. The as-formed Mn₂Mo₃O₈–graphene nanohybrids have been applied as anodes for lithium-ion batteries, and show better lithium storage performance compared to the bare Mn₂Mo₃O₈ nanostructures. The enhanced capacity and cycling performance of the Mn₂Mo₃O₈–graphene nanoarchitectures may benefit from the synergistic effects of the nanohybridization. Graphene layers can hinder the agglomeration and enhance the electronic conductivity of the active materials. This facile strategy may be extended to fabricate other nanostructured graphene-encapsulated ternary metal oxides with elaborate secondary architectures.