Self-assembled hierarchical porous NiMnO microspheres as high performance Li-ion battery anodes.

Hierarchical structured porous NiMnO microspheres assembled with nanorods are synthesized through a simple hydrothermal method followed by calcination in air. As anode materials for lithium ion batteries (LIBs), the NiMnO microspheres exhibit a high specific capacity. The initial discharge capacity is 1126 mA h g. After 1000 cycles, the NiMnO demonstrates a reversible capacity of 900 mA h g at a current density of 500 mA g. In particular, the porous NiMnO microspheres still could deliver a remarkable discharge capacity of 490 mA h g even at a high current density of 2 A g, indicating their potential application in Li-ion batteries. This excellent electrochemical performance is ascribed to the unique hierarchical porous structure which can provide sufficient contact for the transfer of Li ion and area for the volume change of the electrolyte leading to enhanced Li mobility.