Nitrogen-Doped Graphene-Buffered Mn2 O3 Nanocomposite Anodes for Fast Charging and High Discharge Capacity Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

Mn₂ O₃ is a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) because of its high theoretical capacity and low discharge potential. However, low electronic conductivity and capacity fading limits its practical application. In this work, Mn₂ O₃ with 1D nanowire geometry is synthesized in neutral aqueous solutions by a facile and effective hydrothermal strategy for the first time, and then Mn₂ O₃ nanoparticle and nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (N-rGO) are composited with Mn₂ O₃ nanowires (Mn₂ O₃ -GNCs) to enhance its volume utilization and conductivity. When used as an anode material for LIBs, the Mn₂ O₃ -GNCs exhibit high reversible capacity (1350 mAh g^-1 ), stable cycling stability, and good rate capability. Surprisingly, the Mn₂ O₃ -GNC electrodes can also show fast charging capability; even after 200 cycles (charge: 10 A g^-1 ; discharge: 0.5 A g^-1 ), its discharge capacity can also keep at ≈500 mAh g^-1 . In addition, the Mn₂ O₃ -GNCs also have considerable full cell and supercapacitor performance. The excellent electrochemical performances can be ascribed to the N-rGO network structure and 1D nanowire structure, which can ensure fast ion and electron transportation.

Keywords: Li-ion batteries; Mn2O3 nanowires; fast charging; high capacity; nitrogen doped-reduced graphene oxide (rGO).