Superior lithium storage performance in nanoscaled MnO promoted by N-doped carbon webs

Carbon-encapsulated nano-MnO composite with novel multiple structure loaded on N-doped carbon webs (CMNCWs) has been designed and fabricated by using polypyrrole webs as both template and precursor. As an anode material for lithium-ion batteries, CMNCWs exhibit a superhigh reversible capacity and excellent rate capability, delivering a capacity as high as 1268 mA h g−1 after 700 cycles at a current density of 1.0 A g−1. Such superior electrochemical performance can be attributed to the unique multiple structure, which cannot only effectively shorten the transport path of Li+ ions and enhance the conductivity, but also relieve the volume change and prevent agglomeration of Mn grains during the phase transformation in the conversion reaction.

Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► A facile route is developed to fabricate carbon-encapsulated nano-MnO loaded on N-doped carbon webs.
► The multiple structures lead to superhigh capacity and excellent cycling stability.
► Pyridinic-N plays an important role in Li-ion storage.
► The uniform carbon layer efficiently suppresses the volume expansion and aggregation of nanoparticals.