LiMn2O4 nanoparticles anchored on graphene nanosheets as high-performance cathode material for lithium-ion batteries

•LiMn2O4/graphene nanocomposite is synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal method.•LiMn2O4 nanoparticles are uniformly anchored on the graphene nanosheets.•The nanocomposite exhibits excellent cathode performance for lithium-ion batteries.

Nanocrystalline LiMn2O4/graphene nanosheets nanocomposite has been successfully synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal method without post-heat treatment. In the nanocomposite, LiMn2O4 nanoparticles of 10–30 nm in size are well crystallized and homogeneously anchored on the graphene nanosheets. The graphene nanosheets not only provide a highly conductive matrix for LiMn2O4 nanoparticles but also effectively reduce the agglomeration of LiMn2O4 nanoparticles. The nanocrystalline LiMn2O4/graphene nanosheets nanocomposite exhibited greatly improved electrochemical performance in terms of specific capacity, cycle performance, and rate capability compared with the bare LiMn2O4 nanoparticles. The superior electrochemical performance of the nanocrystalline LiMn2O4/graphene nanosheets nanocomposite makes it promising as cathode material for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.

Graphical abstractNanocrystalline LiMn2O4/graphene nanosheets (GNS) nanocomposite exhibit superior cathode performance for lithium-ion batteries compared to the bare LiMn2O4 nanoparticles. Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide