Self-assembled hierarchical porous NiMn(2)O(4) microspheres as high performance Li-ion battery anodes

Hierarchical structured porous NiMn(2)O(4) 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 NiMn(2)O(4) microspheres exhibit a high specific capacity. The initial discharge capacity is 1126 mA h g(−1). After 1000 cycles, the NiMn(2)O(4) demonstrates a reversible capacity of 900 mA h g(−1) at a current density of 500 mA g(−1). In particular, the porous NiMn(2)O(4) microspheres still could deliver a remarkable discharge capacity of 490 mA h g(−1) even at a high current density of 2 A g(−1), 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.