Chemically Integrated Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes/Zinc Manganate Nanocrystals as Ultralong-Life Anode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

Hybrid nanostructures based on carbon nanotubes and mixed transition-metal oxides hold a great promise as high-performance electrode materials for next-generation lithium-ion batteries. In this work, we report the synthesis of chemically integrated MWCNT/ZnMn2O4 (MZMO) hybrids via a polyol method and subsequent thermal annealing treatment. Benefiting from the larger specific surface area, strongly coupled interaction and synergic effect between ZnMn2O4 nanocrystals and MWCNT, the MZMO hybrids exhibit improved electrochemical performance, with a high reversible specific capacity, and excellent rate capability, as well as a superior cycle stability. After 100 cycles, the MZMO2 demonstrates a reversible capacity of 847 mA h g–1 at a current density of 400 mA g–1. Even at 1600 mA g–1 up to 1000 cycles, the reversible capacity still preserves 527 mAh g–1, which is much higher than the theoretical capacity of graphite.