Hierarchical MnCo2O4 constructed by mesoporous nanosheets@polypyrrole composites as anodes for lithium ion batteries

The mesoporous MnCo2O4/polypyrrole (PPy) composites have been successfully fabricated through three facile steps, solvothermal synthesis, calcination treatment and subsequent in-situ chemical polymerization. The mesoporous MnCo2O4/PPy displays good electrochemical performance in terms of high reversible capacity, good rate performance, and excellent stability. The high discharge capacity of 910 mAh g−1 is achieved after 100 cycles at the current density of 200 mA g−1. The reversible capacity still remains as high as 598 mAh g−1 at the higher current density of 2000 mA g−1. The improved electrochemical performance is mainly attributed to the mesoporous structure and the coating layer of PPy, which effectively mitigate the volume change and enable good conductivity and thus enhance fast charge transfer.