Well-dispersed ultrafine Mn3O4 nanocrystals on reduced graphene oxide with high electrochemical Li-storage performance

Abstract

Graphene-based hybrid nanostructures could offer many opportunities for improved lithium storage performance. Herein, we report a novel synthesis of the Mn₃O₄–reduced graphene oxide (Mn₃O₄–r-GO) composite based on a microexplosion mechanism and reduction treatment. It is found that the well-dispersed ultrafine Mn₃O₄ particles with a size of about 20 nm are closely anchored onto the surface of r-GO sheets. Compared to pure Mn₃O₄, the Mn₃O₄–r-GO composite delivers higher lithium storage capacity and superior rate capability as a promising anode material for Li-ion batteries. The enhanced electrochemical performance of the Mn₃O₄–r-GO composite can be attributed to the buffering, confining and conducting effects of the r-GO sheets, as well as the small and uniform particle size of Mn₃O₄.