Novel MnOx@Carbon hybrid nanowires with core/shell architecture as highly reversible anode materials for lithium ion batteries

Novel MnOx@Carbon hybrid nanowires were successfully synthesized by the combination of a hydrothermal process and a simple PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone) – solution-soaking method followed by a subsequent carbonization treatment. The nanostructures exhibit the unique feature of having nanocrystalline manganese oxide particle encapsulated inside and an amorphous carbon layer coating the outside. The unique porous characteristics with many meso/micro-pores, and further the highly conductive carbon matrix would lead to the excellent electrochemical performance of the MnOx@Carbon nanowire electrode. The MnOx@Carbon hybrid nanowires exhibit a high initial reversible capacity of 824.4 mAhg−1, a reversible capacity of approximately 541 mAhg−1 after 54 cycles, and excellent cycling stability and rate capability with specific capacity of 298.24 mAhg−1 when cycled at the current density of 1000 mAg−1, which indicates that the composite is a promising anode candidate for Li-ion batteries.