Self-assembly formation of hierarchical mixed spinel MnCo2O4 porous nanospheres confined by polypyrrole pyrolytic carbon for high-performance lithium storage

The spinel MnCo2O4 characterizing metallic synergistic effect and multi-electron transfer is a promising anode material in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) fields. In the work, the MnCo2O4 porous nanospheres are prepared in virtue of self-assembly ability of glycerol micro-emulsion and subsequent annealing under appropriate temperature. Polypyrrole pyrolytic carbon is introduced to hybridize with low-dimension MnCo2O4 material to settle the common problems of intrinsic low electrical conductivity and severe volume expansion of electrode material. Because of hierarchical porous structure, polypyrrole pyrolytic carbon and metallic synergistic effect, the electrode delivers higher specific capacity, better rate capability and long-term cycling stability compared to several spinel-type oxides/carbon composites.