Investigation of MnCo2O4/MWCNT composite as anode material for lithium ion battery

Abstract We report a simple and scalable synthesis of MnCo2O4/MWCNT nanocomposite by a simple precipitation method and its application as a high capacity anode material for Li-ion batteries. X-ray diffraction analysis showed a pure phase of MnCo2O4 and morphological analysis revealed a uniform decoration of MnCo2O4 nanoparticles along MWCNT backbone. As an electrode material, MnCo2O4 showed a high initial discharge capacity of 1431 mA h g−1 with a capacity retention of 444 mA h g−1 at the end of 30 cycles. With a small addition of MWCNT to MnCo2O4, the stability of the composite increased with a reversible capacity of 871 mA h g−1 at the end of 30 cycles. The inclusion of MWCNT as a conductive matrix resulted in a significant improvement in rate capability and cyclic stability.