Robust synthesis of hierarchical mesoporous hybrid NiO-MnCo2O4 microspheres and their application in Lithium-ion batteries

Hierarchical mesoporous hybrid NiO-MnCo2O4 microspheres are synthesized by a robust one-pot spray pyrolysis process. The mesoporous hybrid NiO-MnCo2O4 microspheres are comprised of homogeneously dispersed nanoscaled NiO and MnCo2O4 subunits. Specific surface area of the mesoporous hybrid NiO-MnCo2O4 microspheres is determined to be 10.2 m2 g−1 with dominant pore size of 25.8 nm. The as-obtained material is evaluated as anode material for LIBs. The as-prepared hybrid NiO-MnCo2O4 sample demonstrate better electrochemical performances, including higher reversible capacity and superior rate capability, compared with the single-phase NiO and MnCo2O4 samples. These superior electrochemical performances should be mainly attributed to its porous microstructure characteristics and the synergistic effects between the well-dispersed NiO and MnCo2O4 nanophases. The strategy is simple and flexible, so it could be readily generalized to construct other hybrid metal oxides materials.