Thermal Decomposition Synthesis of Graphene Nanosheets Anchored on Mn₃O₄ Nanoparticles as Anodes in Lithium Ion Batteries

Graphene nanosheets (GNS) anchored on Mn₃O₄ nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized through in situ thermal decomposition of Mn (NO₃)₂ without the use of any templates or surfactants. Mn₃O₄ particles were coordinately distributed on the GNS surface. This was achieved by forming 3D nanostructures to avoid detrimental graphene layer stacking, and was characterized using a scanning electron microscope. The Mn₃O₄/GNS nanocomposite delivers an initial capacity of 1450 mAh g^-1 at a current density of 100 mA g^-1. It also maintains a high reversible capacity of 930 mAh g^-1 even after 60 charge-discharge cycles without showing any apparent decay. (paper)