Small · 2021 · 44 citations · 63 references
In this work, a novel lollipop nanostructure of Co<sub>3</sub> O<sub>4</sub> @MnO<sub>2</sub> composite is prepared as anode material in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Cobalt metal-organic framework (ZIF-67) is grown on the open end of MnO<sub>2</sub> nanotubes via a self-assembly process. The obtained ZIF-67@MnO<sub>2</sub> is then converted to Co<sub>3</sub> O<sub>4</sub> @MnO<sub>2</sub> by a simple annealing treatment in air. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction characterizations indicate that the prepared Co<sub>3</sub> O<sub>4</sub> @MnO<sub>2</sub> takes a lollipop nanostructure with a stick of ≈100 nm in diameter, consisting of MnO<sub>2</sub> nanotube, and a head part of ≈1 µm, consisting of Co<sub>3</sub> O<sub>4</sub> nanoparticles. The charge-discharge tests illustrate that this unique novel configuration endows the resulting Co<sub>3</sub> O<sub>4</sub> @MnO<sub>2</sub> with excellent electrochemical performances, delivering a capacity of 1080 mAh g<sup>-1</sup> at 300 mA g<sup>-1</sup> after 160 cycles, and 696 mAh g<sup>-1</sup> at 1 A g<sup>-1</sup> after 210 cycles, compared with 404 mAh g<sup>-1</sup> and 590 for pure Co<sub>3</sub> O<sub>4</sub> polyhedrons and pure MnO<sub>2</sub> nanotubes at 300 mA g<sup>-1</sup> after 160 cycles, respectively. The lollipop configuration consisting of porous Co<sub>3</sub> O<sub>4</sub> polyhedron and MnO<sub>2</sub> nanotube shows excellent structural stability and facilitates lithium insertion/extraction, leading to excellent cyclic stability and rate capacity of Co<sub>3</sub> O<sub>4</sub> @MnO<sub>2</sub> -based LIBs.
63