Synthesis of unique hierarchical mesoporous layered-cube Mn2O3 by dual-solvent for high-capacity anode material of lithium-ion batteries

•Unique hierarchical mesoporous layered-cube Mn2O3 was prepared.•As-prepared Mn2O3 displays a good rate performance at 4 A g−1 (339.7 mA h g−1).•At current density of 1 A g−1, it still keeps 906.8 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles.

Unique hierarchical mesoporous layered-cube Mn2O3 has been synthesized in dual-solvent by a solvothermal method. The structure and morphology of the as-prepared materials were analyzed by X-ray diffraction and electron microscope. The results show that the as-prepared sample can be indexed as rarely reported orthorhombic Mn2O3 with layered-cube morphology, and the possible formation mechanism is speculated. When evaluated as anode materials, the layered-cube Mn2O3 shows good electrochemical properties with high discharge capacity of 1664.7 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1, maintains capacity of 906.8 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles. Especially, sample maintains original morphology even at high current density (1 A g−1) after 100 cycles. The excellent cycle stability and superior rate performance are attributed to hierarchical mesoporous structure in conjunction with its unique layered-cube, which can offer more ions and electrons transporting channels from different directions, provide high interfacial lithium storage and prevent the collapse of structure.