A novel coral-like LiMn2O4 nanostructure as Li-ion battery cathode displaying stable energy-storage performance

Lithium-ion battery has been widely used in many fields; however, a good energy-density along with a high working voltage cathode is highly required. Here, a three-dimensional coral-like LiMn2O4 nanostructure is developed by annealing a precursor synthesized through a hydrothermal approach, which displays a stable electrochemical performance as Li-ion battery cathode. The coral-like LiMn2O4 cathode exhibits a capacity exceeds 118 mAh/g when cycling at 0.2C, and a Coulombic efficiency of 98.3%. When cycling at a relatively high rate of 0.5C, the electrochemical performance remains stable after 150 cycles. Moreover, good performances are achieved when cycling at different charge/discharge rates, which are ascribed to the biomimetic coral-like structure facilitates the transport of electrons and ions. The general preparation approach and the stable performance of the coral-like cathode would find broad applications for developing many other emerging energy-storage materials.