Aminated Graphite-Reinforced MnO Anode Interfacial Interaction via Mn–N–C Bonds for Enhanced Lithium-Ion Storage Performance

Constructing strong interfacial interactions between the carbon coating layer and the MnO anode is highly desirable for enhancing its structural stability and electronic conductivity. Herein, an aminated graphite/MnO composite (MnO@300NG) with a strong Mn-N-C heterointerface has been designed via coupling hydrothermal self-assembly with a calcination strategy. This stable structure can fully expose more Li-ion storage active sites and accelerate the charge transfer rate and Li-ion diffusion kinetics. As a result, the MnO@300NG anode delivers a high specific capacity of 920.50 and 515.63 mAh/g at 0.1 and 4.0 A/g, respectively, with 56.02% capacity retention rate, showing a superior rate performance. After 1000 cycles, the capacity retention rate is as high as 94.33%, significantly larger than that of MnO@0NG (62.15%), showing excellent cycling stability. In addition, the MnO@300NG//LFP full cell assembled by the MnO@300NG anode and LiFePO4 cathode delivers a high average specific capacity of 172.40 and 104.10 mAh/g at 0.1 and 5.0 C, corresponding to 60.38% capacity retention rate, delivering an outstanding rate performance. Moreover, the full cell has a maximal energy density of 356.50 Wh/kg coupled with a 98.10% capacity retention rate for 100 cycles. Therefore, this work will provide substantial guidance for rationally designing a high-performance MnO-based anode in a lithium-ion battery.