Formation of nanostructured MnO/Co/solid-electrolyte interphase ternary composites as a durable anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Nanoporous MnO frameworks with highly dispersed Co nanoparticles were produced from MnCO₃ precursors prepared in a gel matrix. The MnO frameworks that contain 20 mol % Co exhibited excellent cycle performance as an anode material for Li-ion batteries. The solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) formed in the frameworks through the electrochemical reaction mediates the active materials, such as MnO, Mn, and Li₂O, during the conversion reaction in the charge-discharge cycle. The Co nanoparticles and SEI provide the electron and Li-ion conductive networks, respectively. The ternary nanocomposites of the MnO framework, metallic Co nanoparticles, and embedded SEI are categorized as durable anode materials for Li-ion batteries. An ode to anodes: Ternary nanocomposites consisting of a porous MnO framework, metallic Co nanoparticles, and a solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) were produced from MnCO₃ precursors. As the highly dispersed Co nanoparticles and SEI provide electron and Li-ion conductive networks, respectively, the MnO frameworks are applicable as durable anode materials for Li-ion batteries.