Self-assembled synthesis of diamond-like MnCo2O4 as anode active material for lithium-ion batteries with high cycling stability

A new type of micro-octahedral MnCo2O4, as a potential electrode material for lithium ion batteries, was successfully prepared via a facile hydrothermal method. The uniform micro-octahedral MnCo2O4 (approximately 1 mu m) are composed of many densely compacted nanoparticles with diameters ranging from 30 to 40 nm. When used as anode for lithium ion batteries, this electrode material exhibits an excellent cyclic performance of capacity of 720.4 mAh g(-1) at a current density of 300 mA g(-1) after 200 cycles with remarkable capacity retention of 88%. The outstanding electrochemical performance can be attributed to the unique morphology and structure composed of nanocrystals robustly bonded to each other. The stable micro-octahedrals could not only improve mechanical strength, but also restrain the lattice expansion, which can keep it agglomeration and fragmentation. Therefore, due to the simple fabrication process and high performance, the micro-octahedral MnCo2O4 anode material is very promising for lithium ion batteries. (C) 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.