Mn3O4/carbon nanotubes nanocomposites as improved anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Mn3O4 and Mn3O4 (140)/CNTs have been investigated as high-capacity anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) applications. Nanoparticle Mn3O4 samples were synthesized by hydrothermal method using Mn(Ac)(2) and NH3 center dot H2O as the raw materials and characterized by XRD, TG, EA, TEM, and SEM. Its electrochemical performances, as anode materials, were evaluated by galvanostatic discharge-charge tests. The Mn3O4 (140)/CNTs displays outstanding electrochemical performances, such as high initial capacity (1942mAhg(-1)), stable cycling performance (1088mAhg(-1) and coulombic efficiency remain at 97% after 60 cycles) and great rate performance (recover 823 mAh g(-1) when return to initial current density after 44 cycles). Compared to pure Mn3O4 (140), the improving electrochemical performances can be attributed to the existence of very conductive CNTs. The Mn3O4 (140)/CNTs with excellent electrochemical properties might find applications as highly effective materials in electromagnetism, catalysis, microelectronic devices, etc. The process should also offer an effective and facile method to fabricate many other nanosized metallic oxide/CNTs nanocomposites for low-cost, high-capacity, and environmentally benign materials for LIBs.