Pore-controlled synthesis of Mn2O3 microspheres for ultralong-life lithium storage electrode

Mesoporous structures have attracted increasing interest in improving the cycling life and specific capacity of electrode materials. Mn2O3 microspheres with controlled pore size were successfully synthesized by morphology-conserved transformation at 500, 700 and 900 °C. Among them, mesoporous Mn2O3 microspheres annealed at 500 °C show the highest discharge capacity, the minor capacity fading per cycle and ultralong cycling life. It can realize 1000 stable charge/discharge processes with 125 mAh g−1 reversible capacity at current density of 1000 mA g−1. Meanwhile, at relatively low current density (200 mA g−1), it can deliver capacity of 524 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles. The remarkable electrochemical performance can result from the relatively high surface area and abundant surface active sites of mesoporous structure, which can enhance the continuous charge transfer kinetics, ion diffusion and capacity. The high cycling stability and long life span make mesoporous Mn2O3 microspheres promising electrode materials for electrochemical energy storage.