A unique 2D-on-3D architecture developed from ZnMn2O4 and CMK-3 with excellent performance for lithium ion batteries

Spinel ZnMn2O4 is considered as a potentially high-capacity anode material for Li-ion batteries. However, its low conductivity causes poor rate capability and insufficient cyclability, thus turning into a challenge for battery applications. Hybrid inorganic/ordered mesoporous carbon (CMK-3) nanostructure represents a promising material platform for next-generation energy storage due to the presence of a large surface area, which facilitates ion transport and storage, and improves electron transport. Here we report a convenient and advanced architecture design of ultrathin 2D ZnMn2O4 nanosheets integrated on 3D CMK-3 framework. Benefiting from the sufficient electrochemically available interfaces and abundant electronic/ionic pathways provided by the ultrathin ZnMn2O4 and the interconnected channels of CMK-3 network, this ZnMn2O4@CMK-3 material provides a high reversible capacity of 997 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 after 100 cycles, a strong rate capability with 693 mAh g−1 at 2 A g−1, and a remarkable long-term cyclability with a capacity retention of 94% over 1600 cycles.

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