Synthesis of MnO@multi-walled CNTs composite film electrodes for lithium-ion batteries by an improved electrostatic spray deposition method

MnO@multi-walled CNTs (MnO@MWCNTs) composite film electrodes with porous structure are synthesized by the improved electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) setup. The content of 5.47 wt% MWCNTs is found to be optimal, which can improve the conductivities of MnO film electrodes without destroying their porous structure and obtain good cycling performance (588 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles at 1 C) and high rate capabilities (424 mAh g−1 at 5 C). The effects of MWCNTs on the morphology of the electrodes and the electrochemical performances have been studied. It is found that the electrostatic repulsion between the charged spray droplets can be remarkably reduced by excessive adding MWCNTs, which leads to the breakdown of the 3D porous morphology of the MnO film electrodes and the electrochemical performance becomes worse.