Spherical-graphite/nano-Mn2O3 composites as advanced anode materials for lithium half/full batteries

The spherical-graphite/Mn2O3 composites (SG/Mn2O3) with a core-shell structure have been facilely synthesized by the initial coprecipitation method and subsequent calcination treatment. As-synthesized composites as anode materials demonstrate remarkable lithium storage performances. The optimal SG/Mn2O3 with 17.6 wt% of Mn2O3 nanoparticles manifests the charge capacity of 499 mA h g−1 over 100 cycles at 0.5 A g−1, and presents the reversible capacity of 383 mA h g−1 under 2 A g−1 after 1000 long cycles for lithium-ion half batteries. When the optimal SG/Mn2O3 electrode is assembled to full-cell using LiFePO4 as the cathode, the full-cell affords the discharge capacity of 318 mA h g−1 with capacity retention of 97.2% at 0.1 A g−1 over 30 cycles. The high capacity of Mn2O3 nanoparticles coating on the surface/interface of SG enhances the long-periodic cycling properties and rate performance of overall electrode. The superior lithium storage performance demonstrates that the SG/Mn2O3 has great potential in the new-generation energy storage devices.