Electrochemical Properties of Hollow‐Structured MnS–Carbon Nanocomposite Powders Prepared by a One‐Pot Spray Pyrolysis Process

Abstract Spherical, hollow MnSC composite powders were prepared from a solution of manganese salt, thiourea, and sucrose by one‐pot spray pyrolysis. The MnSC composite powders were generated by direct sulfidation of MnO with hydrogen sulfide gas generated in situ by decomposition of thiourea during spray pyrolysis. Sucrose, which is used as a carbon source material, plays a key role in the formation of the MnSC composite powders by improving the reducing atmosphere around the powders. Dot‐mapping images of the composite powders demonstrated uniform distribution of the manganese, sulfur, and carbon components within the MnSC composite powder. Fine crystals of MnS were uniformly mixed with carbon derived from polymerization and carbonization of sucrose. The carbon content of the MnSC composite powders was 26 wt %. The discharge capacities of the MnSC composite powders in the 2nd and 200th cycles were 863 and 967 mA h g −1 , respectively, at a current density of 1000 mA g −1 . The spherical and hollow morphology of the MnSC composite powders was completely retained, even after 200 cycles. The enhanced cycling and rate performance of the MnSC composite powders is ascribed to the structural stability of the composite powders.