Mesoporous MnCo2O4 microflower constructed by sheets for lithium ion batteries

Mesoporous MnCo2O4 microflowers constructed by sheets have been successfully synthesized via a solvothermal route using polymer polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP, K30) as a capping agent. Herein, we find concentration of PVP in the reaction mixture plays a key role for controllable structures and morphologies of mesoporous MnCo2O4 microflowers. When tested as anode materials for lithium ion batteries, the MnCo2O4 microflowers exhibit initial discharge and charge capacities of 1465.1 and 1001.2 mA h g−1 at the current density of 100 mA g−1. Moreover, the as-obtained MnCo2O4 microflowers show enhanced rate capability and good cycling stability.