Triple-shelled Mn2O3 hollow nanocubes: force-induced synthesis and excellent performance as the anode in lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

In this paper, we report a novel structure of Mn₂O₃, the triple-shelled Mn₂O₃ hollow nanocube, as the anode material for high-energy lithium-ion batteries, synthesized through a programmed annealing treatment with cubic MnCO₃ as precursor. This hierarchical structure is developed through the interaction between the contraction force from the decomposition of MnCO₃ and the adhesion force from the formation of Mn₂O₃. The structure has been confirmed by characterization with XRD, FESEM, TEM, and HRTEM. The charge–discharge tests demonstrate that the resulting Mn₂O₃ exhibits excellent cycling stability and rate capability when evaluated as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. It delivers a reversible capacity of 606 mA h g⁻¹ at a current rate of 500 mA g⁻¹ with a capacity retention of 88% and a remaining capacity of 350 mA h g⁻¹ at 2000 mA g⁻¹.