Mesoporous MnCo2O4 microflower constructed by sheets for lithium ion batteries

•Mesoporous MnCo2O4 microflowers constructed by sheets are realized.•FESEM images indicate as-prepared MnCo2O4 microflowers are highly uniform.•The porous MnCo2O4 exhibits hierarchical mesoporous structure.•As-prepared MnCo2O4 electrode shows good rate capability and cycling stability.

Mesoporous MnCo2O4 microflowers constructed by sheets have been successfully synthesized via a solvothermal route using polymer polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP, K30) as a capping agent. Herein, we find concentration of PVP in the reaction mixture plays a key role for controllable structures and morphologies of mesoporous MnCo2O4 microflowers. When tested as anode materials for lithium ion batteries, the MnCo2O4 microflowers exhibit initial discharge and charge capacities of 1465.1 and 1001.2 mA h g−1 at the current density of 100 mA g−1. Moreover, the as-obtained MnCo2O4 microflowers show enhanced rate capability and good cycling stability.

Graphical abstractWhen the concentration of PVP reaches the optimized amount, PVP molecules can help to guide the anisotropic growth of the MnCo2O4 sheet and further self-assemble it into the 3D flower-like architecture. Moreover, the as-obtained MnCo2O4 microflowers show good rate capability and cycling stability.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide