MnO Nanoparticles Supported by Carbonized Cotton Fiber Foil as a Free-Standing Anode for High-Performance Lithium Ion...

A three-dimensional (3D) network structure composite of MnO nanoparticles (NPs) and carbonized cotton fiber foil (CCFF) is introduced as an anode material free of binders and conductive additives for Li-ion batteries (LIBs). CCFF with its closely linked networks provides a stable framework for metal oxides and improves the electrical conductivity of the composite. MnO NPs are evenly distributed on the surface of CCFF and concurrently embedded in the carbon matrix through simply annealing the MnO precursor (MnO-P)/cotton fiber foil (CFF) composite. When the obtained MnO/CCFF composite is used as a self-supporting anode in LIBs, the electrode displays stable cycling performance and superior rate capability, which can be attributed to the close contact between the well-dispersed MnO NPs and the interlaced carbon fibers. The rational design using CCFF as the current collector in batteries and the carbon substrate to support the active materials could greatly enhance the electronic/ionic transmission channels and effectively relieve the volume expansion of MnO during the electrochemical process. In addition, the self-standing MnO/CCFF electrode may serve as a template for the design of other metal oxide anode materials supported by carbonized cotton fiber foil for high-performance LIBs.