A facile synthetic protocol to construct 1D Zn-Mn-Oxide nanostructures with tunable compositions for high-performance lithium storage

The synthesis of one-dimensional (1D) Zn-Mn-Oxide (ZMO) for lithium storage is an important research topic, since ZMO can potentially satisfy the ever-increasing demand on the high energy density, natural abundance and long lifespan of lithium ion batteries. Generally, the synthesis of 1D ZMO nanostructures relies on various templates. A facile construction of 1D ZMO nanostructures with tunable compositions via the same synthetic protocol remains a great challenge. Herein, two different Zn-Mn-Oxides of ZnMn₂O₄ and ZnMnO₃ both with 1D rod morphology were successfully prepared via a simple co-precipitation reaction coupled with subsequent heat treatment. As the anode materials for lithium ion battery, both ZMO nanorods exhibit good lithium storage performances. Especially, ZnMn₂O₄ nanorods display superior electrochemical performances to ZnMnO₃ nanorods, including higher discharge capacities of 1119.3 and 572.6 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 C and 0.5 C, respectively and better cyclability with capacity retention of 80% after 300 cycles at 0.5 C. The improved electrochemical properties should be attributed to the porous and interparticle-bridging microstructures in ZnMn₂O₄ nanorods, which can offer better contact between electrolyte and anode and tolerate larger volume changes during discharge/charge process. - Highlights: • A facile synthetic protocol was designed to fabricate one-dimensional Zn-Mn-Oxides. • Mixed solvent of ethanol and water is essential to control the rod-like structures. • ZnMn₂O₄ nanorods display lithium storage properties superior to ZnMnO₃ nanorods. • It is attributed to the porous and interparticle-bridging 1D microstructures.