Yolk–Shell MnO@ZnMn2O4/N–C Nanorods Derived from α-MnO2/ZIF-8 as Anode Materials for Lithium Ion Batteries

Manganese oxides (MnOx) are promising anode materials for lithium ion batteries, but they generally exhibit mediocre performances due to intrinsic low ionic conductivity, high polarization, and poor stability. Herein, yolk–shell nanorods comprising of nitrogen-doped carbon (N–C) coating on manganese monoxide (MnO) coupled with zinc manganate (ZnMn2O4) nanoparticles are manufactured via one-step carbonization of α-MnO2/ZIF-8 precursors. When evaluated as anodes for lithium ion batteries, MnO@ZnMn2O4/N–C exhibits an reversible capacity of 803 mAh g−1 at 50 mA g−1 after 100 cycles, excellent cyclability with a capacity of 595 mAh g−1 at 1000 mAg−1 after 200 cycles, as well as better rate capability compared with those non-N–C shelled manganese oxides (MnOx). The outstanding electrochemical performance is attributed to the unique yolk–shell nanorod structure, the coating effect of N–C and nanoscale size.