The double synergies of core-shell MnFe2O4@TiO2 mesoporous spheres for enhancing electrochemical performance of anode material as lithium-ion batteries

Highlights: • The core-shell MnFe₂O₄@TiO₂ mesoporous spheres are designed and prepared. • The unique structure with double synergies to enhance the performance of LIBs. • The composite shows stable cycling performance, 775 mAh g⁻¹ after 200 cycles. -- Abstract: A promising anode material for lithium ion batteries, the core-shell MnFe₂O₄@TiO₂ mesoporous spheres were synthesized by the chemical coprecipitation paired with calcinations. The dimeter of the mesoporous spheres is about 500 nm with TiO₂ coating layer (about 10 nm). Compare to MnFe₂O₄ particles, the core-shell MnFe₂O₄@TiO₂ mesoporous spheres deliver the high initial capacity of 1295 mAh g⁻¹ at 0.1 C and excellent reversible capacity of 775 mAh g⁻¹ after 200 cycles. The improved performance is due to synergy between the different metal elements (MnFe₂O₄ and TiO₂) for enhancing insertion and extraction of lithium, and synergy between the core-shell and mesoporous structure for buffering the volume expansion and keeping the chemical stability of active material during the charge and discharge process. The novel design of the mesoporous core-shell composite as anode materials with the double synergies gives a new direction for improve the performance of LIBs.