Li₂MnSiO₄ nanorods-embedded carbon nanofibers for lithium-ion battery electrodes

Highlights: • Phase-pure and rod-shaped nano Li₂MnSiO₄ were synthesized by solvothermal process. • Li₂MnSiO₄ nanorods grew along the [010] direction that facilitated Li-ion transport. • Li₂MnSiO₄ nanorods-embedded carbon nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning. • Li₂MnSiO₄/carbon nanofibers exhibited excellent cycling stability with 200^th cycle. • Li₂MnSiO₄ is well-suited for use as a long-term cycling electrode in LIBs. - Abstract: Minute Li₂MnSiO₄ nanorods embedded in carbon nanofibers (LMS/CNFs) are prepared via an ethanol-based solvothermal process, and then by electrospinning and subsequent carbonization processes. The LMS nanorods (NRs) have lengths and widths of 15–20 nm and 5 nm, respectively, and grow lengthwise, i.e., along the [010] direction, which facilitates Li-ion transport in the LMS during charging/discharging. In addition, these LMS NRs are well incorporated in the electrospun LMS/CNFs after carbonization. The LMS/CNFs exhibit an excellent cycling stability with a capacity retention of 96% for up to 150 cycles at voltages of 1.5–4.75 V vs. Li/Li⁺ and a current rate of 33.3 mA g⁻¹. The cycling stability of the LMS/CNFs results from the nano-architecture formed between the LMS NRs and the CNFs.