Structure, Morphology, and Composition of Mn3N2/MnO/C Composite Anode Materials for Li-Ion Batteries

Abstract

Mn₂O₃ microsheets were successfully synthesized via a facile electrospinning method followed by post-calcination process. MnO particles, Mn₃N₂/MnO/C composite particles and Mn₃N₂/C rods were respectively obtained via reduction and nitridation of the prepared Mn₂O₃ microsheets in NH₃ atmosphere at 500, 950, and 1000°C. The crystal structure, morphology and composition of Mn₂O₃ microsheets, MnO particles, Mn₃N₂/MnO/C composite particles and Mn₃N₂/C rods were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS). MnO particles, Mn₃N₂/MnO/C composite particles and Mn₃N₂/C rods were explored as the anode materials for Li-ion batteries. Compared with MnO particles and Mn₃N₂/C rods electrodes, the capacity of Mn₃N₂/MnO/C composite particles electrode is the highest, and the discharge capacity retained 583 mA h g^–1 at a current density of 100 mA g^–1 after 300 cycles. More importantly, the synthetic strategy may be extended to synthesis of other metal oxides and metal nitrides composites as anode materials for Li-ion batteries.