Synthesis of three-dimensional cross-linked MnO@C composite as high-performance anode material for lithium-ion batteries

MnO@C composites with three-dimensional cross-linked structure were designed and fabricated through hydrothermal treatment. Cation exchange resin was used as the precursor to create a three-dimensional cross-linked porous carbon structure, which was evenly decorated by nanosized MnO particles. When compared with pristine MnO, those MnO@C composites showed much better stability during charge-discharge cycling, retaining a specific capacity of 615 mAh g⁻¹ (62.5 wt% MnO) after 100 cycles at a current density of 0.2 A g⁻¹. This could be ascribed to the special three-dimensional cross-linked porous carbon that not only accelerated the transport of Li⁺ ions but also buffered the volume change and prevented agglomeration of MnO particles during the repeated lithiation and delithiation process.