Biotemplated synthesis of three-dimensional porous MnO/C-N nanocomposites from renewable rapeseed pollen: An anode material for lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are currently recognized as one of the most popular power sources available. To construct advanced LIBs exhibiting long-term endurance, great attention has been paid to enhancing their poor cycle stabilities. As the performance of LIBs is dependent on the electrode materials employed, the most promising approach to improve their life span is the design of novel electrode materials. We herein describe the rational design of a three-dimensional (3D) porous MnO/C-N nanoarchitecture as an anode material for long cycle life LIBs based on their preparation from inexpensive, renewable, and abundant rapeseed pollen (R-pollen) via a facile immersion-annealing route. Remarkably, the as-prepared MnO/C-N with its optimized 3D nanostructure exhibited a high specific capacity (756.5 mAh·g⁻¹ at a rate of 100 mA·g⁻¹), long life span (specific discharge capacity of 513.0 mAh·g⁻¹, ~95.16% of the initial reversible capacity, after 400 cycles at 300 mA·g⁻¹), and good rate capability. This material therefore represents a promising alternative candidate for the high-performance anode of next-generation LIBs. [Figure not available: see fulltext.]