Self-induced matrix with Li-ion storage activity in ultrathin CuMnO₂ nanosheets electrode

Conversion anode materials such as Mn₃O₄ draw much attention due to their considerable theoretical capacity for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). However, poor conductivity, slow solid-state Li-ion diffusion, and huge volume expansion of the active materials during charge/discharge lead to unsatisfied electrochemical performance. Despite several strategies like nanocrystallization, fabricating hierarchical nanostructures, and introducing a matrix are valid to address these crucial issues, the achieved electrochemical performance still needs to be further enhanced. What is worse, the matrix with less or no Li-ion storage activity may lower the achieved capacity of the electrodes. Herein, ultra-thin CuMnO₂ nanosheets with the thickness of 5-8 nm were evaluated for LIBs. The ultra-thin sheet-like nanostructure offers sufficient contact areas with electrolyte and shortens the Li-ion diffusion distance. Moreover, the in-situ generated Mn and Cu along with their oxides could play the role of matrix and conductive agent in turn at different stages, relieving the stress brought by volume expansion. Therefore, the as-prepared ultra-thin CuMnO₂ nanosheets electrode displays a remarkable reversible capacity, long cycling stability, and outstanding rate capability (a reversible capacity of 1160.5 mAh g^-1 at 0.1A g^-1 was retained after 100 cycles with a capacity retention of 95.1 %, and 717.8 mAh g^-1 at 2.0 A g^-1 after 400 cycles).