Core-leaf onion-like carbon/MnO2 hybrid nano-urchins for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries

Ye Wang, Singapore University of Technology and Design
Zhao Jun Han, CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering
Siu Fung Yu, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Ran Ran Song, Beijing University of Chemical Technology
Huai He Song, Beijing University of Chemical Technology
Kostya (Ken) Ostrikov, University of Wollongong
Hui Yang, Singapore University of Technology and Design

Wang, Y., Han, Z., Yu, S., Song, R., Song, H., Ostrikov, K. & Yang, H. (2013). Core-leaf onion-like carbon/MnO2 hybrid nano-urchins for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Carbon, 64 (November), 230-236.

Abstract

A hybrid nano-urchin structure consisting of spherical onion-like carbon and MnO2 nanosheets is synthesized by a facile and environmentally-friendly hydrothermal method. Lithium-ion batteries incorporating the hybrid nano-urchin anode exhibit reversible lithium storage with superior specific capacity, enhanced rate capability, stable cycling performance, and nearly 100% Coulombic efficiency. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of designing hybrid nano-architectures with uniform and isotropic structure, high loading of electrochemically-active materials, and good conductivity for the dramatic improvement of lithium storage.