Abstract

A facile and low-cost strategy is demonstrated for preparing MnO/C–N hybrid, in which the MnO nanoparticles chemically combine with N-doped C by Mn–N bonding to achieve the hybridization of MnO with N-doped C. When served as an anode in lithium ion batteries (LIBs), the resultant hybrid manifested high capacity, excellent cyclability, and superior rate capability. A lithium storage capacity of 1699 mAh g–1 could be obtained at 0.5 A g–1 after 170 discharge–charge cycles. Even at a current density up to 5 A g–1, a high reversible capacity (907.8 mAh g–1) can be retained after 400 cycles. The excellent lithium storage performance of the MnO/C–N hybrid can be ascribed to the synergetic effects of several factors including the unique hybrid structure, the N-doping and the chemical bonding of MnO and N-doped C.