Zhihua Xiao

Constructing strong interfacial interactions between the carbon coating layer and the MnO anode is highly desirable for enhancing its structural stability and electronic conductivity. Herein, an aminated graphite/MnO composite (MnO@300NG) with a strong Mn-N-C heterointerface has been designed via coupling hydrothermal self-assembly with a calcination strategy. This stable structure can fully expose more Li-ion storage active sites and accelerate the charge transfer rate and Li-ion diffusion kinetics. As a result, the MnO@300NG anode delivers a high specific capacity of 920.50 and 515.63 mAh/g at 0.1 and 4.0 A/g, respectively, with 56.02% capacity retention rate, showing a superior rate performance. After 1000 cycles, the capacity retention rate is as high as 94.33%, significantly larger than that of MnO@0NG (62.15%), showing excellent cycling stability. In addition, the MnO@300NG//LFP full cell assembled by the MnO@300NG anode and LiFePO₄ cathode delivers a high average specific capacity of 172.40 and 104.10 mAh/g at 0.1 and 5.0 C, corresponding to 60.38% capacity retention rate, delivering an outstanding rate performance. Moreover, the full cell has a maximal energy density of 356.50 Wh/kg coupled with a 98.10% capacity retention rate for 100 cycles. Therefore, this work will provide substantial guidance for rationally designing a high-performance MnO-based anode in a lithium-ion battery.