Na-Mn-O Nanocrystals as a High Capacity and Long Life Anode Material for Li-Ion Batteries

Searching for a new material to build the next-generation rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with high electrochemical performance is urgently required. Owing to the low-cost, non-toxicity, and high-safety, the family of manganese oxide including the Na-Mn-O system is regarded as one of the most promising electrode materials for LIBs. Herein, a new strategy is carried out to prepare a highly porous and electrochemically active Na_0.55Mn₂O₄·1.5H₂O (SMOH) compound. As an anode material, the Na-Mn-O nanocrystal material dispersed within a carbon matrix manifests a high reversible capacity of 1015.5 mA h g⁻¹ at a current density of 0.1 A g⁻¹. Remarkably, a considerable capability of 546.8 mA h g⁻¹ remains even after 2000 discharge/charge cycles at the higher current density of 4 A g⁻¹, indicating a splendid cyclability. The exceptional electrochemical properties allow SMOH to be a promising anode material toward LIBs.