Electrochemical and ex-situ analysis on manganese oxide/graphene hybrid anode for lithium rechargeable batteries

Abstract

A Mn3O4/graphene hybrid material is fabricated using a facile and simple in-situ reduction process and shown to be a promising anode for lithium rechargeable batteries. The hybrid material retains a high capacity with a good cycle life of up to 990 mAh g(-1) after 30 cycles. The excellent electrochemical performance is attributable to the unique nanostructure of the hybrid material. Highly crystalline Mn3O4 particles (20-30 nm) are uniformly dispersed on graphene whose high electronic conductivity and high surface area provide a conductive percolating network throughout the electrode in the hybrid material. The conductive graphene networks enhance an electron transfer in the electrode and promote the electrochemical activity of the crystalline Mn3O4.