Hierarchical C/MnO2 spheres as anode materials for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

Manganese dioxides (MnO₂) are promising anode materials due to their high theoretical capacity. However, pure MnO₂ anodes suffer from rapid capacity fading, which is mainly caused by the poor electrical conductivity and structural collapse during electrochemical cycling. Herein, carbon spheres are prepared as a matrix to load MnO₂. On the one hand, the presence of the carbon sphere matrix could improve the electrical conductivity. On the other hand, the carbon sphere could inhibit the volume change to maintain the structural stability of MnO₂. As a result, the as-prepared hierarchical C/MnO₂ spheres exhibit high specific capacity and superior cycle stability. This work provides a strategy for designing hybrid anodes for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.