Mn3O4−Graphene Hybrid as a High-Capacity Anode Material for Lithium Ion Batteries

Abstract

We developed two-step solution-phase reactions to form hybrid materials of Mn₃O₄ nanoparticles on reduced graphene oxide (RGO) sheets for lithium ion battery applications. Selective growth of Mn₃O₄ nanoparticles on RGO sheets, in contrast to free particle growth in solution, allowed for the electrically insulating Mn₃O₄ nanoparticles to be wired up to a current collector through the underlying conducting graphene network. The Mn₃O₄ nanoparticles formed on RGO show a high specific capacity up to ∼900 mAh/g, near their theoretical capacity, with good rate capability and cycling stability, owing to the intimate interactions between the graphene substrates and the Mn₃O₄ nanoparticles grown atop. The Mn₃O₄/RGO hybrid could be a promising candidate material for a high-capacity, low-cost, and environmentally friendly anode for lithium ion batteries. Our growth-on-graphene approach should offer a new technique for the design and synthesis of battery electrodes based on highly insulating materials.