Nanocrystalline Cellulose Supported MnO₂ Composite Materials for High-Performance Lithium-Ion Batteries

The rate capability and poor cycling stability of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are predominantly caused by the large volume expansion upon cycling and poor electrical conductivity of manganese dioxide (MnO₂), which also exhibits the highest theoretical capacity among manganese oxides. In this study, a nanocomposite of nanosized MnO₂ and pyrolyzed nanocrystalline cellulose (CNC) was prepared with high electrical conductivity to enhance the electrochemical performance of LIBs. The nanocomposite electrode showed an initial discharge capacity of 1302 mAh g^-1 at 100 mA g^-1 and exhibited a high discharge capacity of 305 mAh g^-1 after 1000 cycles. Moreover, the MnO₂-CNC nanocomposite delivered a good rate capability of up to 10 A g^-1 and accommodated the large volume change upon repeated cycling tests.