Interconnected Nanoflake Network Derived from a Natural Resource for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries

Numerous natural resources have a highly interconnected network with developed porous structure, so enabling directional and fast matrix transport. Such structures are appealing for the design of efficient anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, although they can be challenging to prepare. Inspired by nature, a novel synthesis route from biomass is proposed by using readily available auricularia as retractable support and carbon coating precursor to soak up metal salt solution. Using the swelling properties of the auricularia with the complexation of metal ions, a nitrogen-containing MnO@C nanoflake network has been easily synthesized with fast electrochemical reaction dynamics and a superior lithium storage performance. A subsequent carbonization results in the in situ synthesis of MnO nanoparticles throughout the porous carbon flake network. When evaluated as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries, an excellent reversible capacity is achieved of 868 mA h g^-1 at 0.2 A g^-1 over 300 cycles and 668 mA h g^-1 at 1 A g^-1 over 500 cycles, indicating a high tolerance to the volume expansion. The approach investigated opens up new avenues for the design of high performance electrodes with highly cross-linked nanoflake structures, which may have great application prospects.