Synthesis of MnO/C composites through a solid state reaction and their transformation into MnO2 nanorods

MnO nanospheres encapsulated in carbon (MnO/C) composites were synthesized through a one-step solid state reaction between potassium permanganate and salicylic acid at 700 °C, which could be transformed into MnO2 nanorods after being annealed in ambient atmosphere. Their formation mechanisms and electrochemical performances as anodes in Li-ion batteries (LIBs) were investigated. The first discharge capacity of MnO/C composites was 585.9 mA h g−1, while that of MnO2 was 1269 mA h g−1, indicating their potential applications in LIBs.

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► The MnO/C core-shell like composites were synthesized, and they could be transformed into uniform MnO2 nanorods after the annealling process.
► The formation mechanisms of MnO/C composites and MnO2 nanorods are discussed in the article.
► The electrochemical performances and possible applications of the products as anodes in Li-ion batteries have been investigated.