Electrochemical and ex-situ analysis on manganese oxide/graphene hybrid anode for lithium rechargeable batteries

A Mn3O4/graphene hybrid material is fabricated using a facile and simple in-situ reduction process and shown to be a promising anode for lithium rechargeable batteries. The hybrid material retains a high capacity with a good cycle life of up to 990 mAh g−1after 30 cycles. The excellent electrochemical performance is attributable to the unique nanostructure of the hybrid material. Highly crystalline Mn3O4particles (20–30 nm) are uniformly dispersed on graphene whose high electronic conductivity and high surface area provide a conductive percolating network throughout the electrode in the hybrid material. The conductive graphene networks enhance an electron transfer in the electrode and promote the electrochemical activity of the crystalline Mn3O4.