Robust 3D network architectures of MnO nanoparticles bridged by ultrathin graphitic carbon for high-performance lithium-ion battery anodes

A strategy was developed to fabricate a set of MnO@C nanohybrids with MnO nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in an ultrathin three-dimensional (3D) carbon framework for use as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). The 3D carbon frameworks provide MnO NPs with electrical pathways and mechanical robustness, which efficiently improved the reaction kinetics, prevented the MnO from fracturing and agglomerating, and limited the formation of a solid electrolyte interface (SEI) at the MnO–electrolyte interface. Benefitting from the unique 3D framework structure, the MnO/C nanohybrids carbonized at 500 °C exhibited a highly reversible specific capacity of 1,420 mAh·g−1 at 0.2 A·g−1, excellent cycling stability with 98% capacity retention, and enhanced rate performance of 680 mAh·g−1 at 2 A·g−1. The feasibility of the large-scale production of such MnO/C nanohybrids, associated with their outstanding Li-ion storage properties, opens a promising avenue for the development of high-performance anodes for nextgeneration LIBs.