Facile synthesis of MnO/carbon composites by a single-step nitrate-cellulose combustion synthesis for Li ion battery anode

In this paper, a novel method is proposed to produce MnO/carbon composites, in which the MnO nanoparticles were embedded into a porous carbon matrix, by a single-step nitrate-cellulose combustion synthesis. The composition, structure and morphology of the composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning/transmission electron microscopy. The composites were used as lithium ion battery anodes to evaluate their electrochemical properties. The MnO/carbon composite with a proper carbon content showed enhanced cycling performance and capacity retention, which delivered a reversible capacity of 561 mAh g(-1) after 90 cycles at 0.2 A g(-1). The easy production and good electrochemical properties enables the composite to be a possible candidate as an anode alternative for high-performance lithium ion battery. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.