Graphenothermal reduction synthesis of MnO/RGO composite with excellent anodic behaviour in lithium ion batteries

Mn(II) oxide/graphene oxide (MnO/RGO) composites were synthesized by an easy and cost-effective graphenothermal reduction method. The surface morphology, structure, chemical composition and electrochemical behaviour of the resulting composites were investigated in detail. The MnO/RGO composite exhibited a high surface area (115.7 m²/g), which led to the high discharge capacity, enhanced cycling stability, and outstanding rate capability as anode in Li-ion batteries (LIBs). The MnO/RGO composite exhibited an higher initial discharge capacity of 1607 mA h/g at a current density of 100 mA/g and maintained 94% of its reversible capacity over 100 consecutive cycles. Furthermore, MnO/RGO composite could preserve a significantly higher capacity of 847 mA h/g for 150 cycles even at a high current density of 250 mA/g. The excellent electrochemical properties result from the existence of highly conductive RGO and a short transportation span for both Li-ions and electrons. The developed MnO/RGO composite materials hold highly promising prospects in LIBs.