An novel exfoliation strategy to few-layered graphene (FLG) combined with in situ synthesized amorphous MnOx has been established via a facile and robust ball milling route in the presence of KMnO4. The facile synthesis approach has the features of low cost, environmentally friendly nature and scalable capability. As an anode for lithium-ion batteries, amorphous MnOx@FLG delivered a wonderful electrochemical performance under extremely operational conditions, that is, an excellent reversible capacity of 856 mAh g-1 at a high current density of 1 A g-1 after 75 cycles under a high temperature of 85 °C. Those excellent electrochemical performances could be ascribed to elaborately designed three-dimensional nanostructure, the well-chosen electrolyte, significant incorporation of in situ Mn(IV) nanocrystal and few-layered graphene, and the contribution of pseudocapacitance. Remarkable electrochemical performance under a widely operational temperature window makes the amorphous MnOx@FLG composites promising anode of Li-ion batteries for heavy-duty application.
Keywords: amorphous; few-layered graphene; harsh environment; in-situ exfoliation; lithium-ion battery.