Integration of urchin‐like MnCo 2 O 4 @C core–shell nanowire arrays within porous copper current collector for superior performance Li‐ion battery anodes

Abstract Spinel MnCo 2 O 4 is a promising energy storage candidate as anode materials in lithium‐ion batteries owing to synergistic effects of two intrinsic solid‐state redox couples. However, low conductivity, poor rate capacity and rapid capacity fading have seriously impaired its practical applications. To overcome the inferiorities, urchin‐like MnCo 2 O 4 @C core–shell nanowire arrays have been fabricated directly within a porous copper current collector via a facile hydrothermal method followed by a chemical vapor deposition carbonization process. In a typical nanowire, the core is composed of interconnected MnCo 2 O 4 nanoparticles and the shell shows as a thin amorphous carbon layer. The integrated MnCo 2 O 4 @C/Cu structure could act as working anodes without using additives or polymer binders. While MnCo 2 O 4 @C/Cu possesses slightly longer Li‐ion insertion/desertion pathway than that of MnCo 2 O 4 /Cu, the carbon shell could effectively prevent the pulverization of MnCo 2 O 4 and lower down charge transfer resistance and actively participate in Li‐ion cycles. The rearrangement of carbon atoms during lithiation/delithiation cycling could inhibit the formation of passive solid electrolyte interphase films. As a result, the MnCo 2 O 4 @C/Cu electrode presents superior rate capacity (600 mAh·g −1 at 1 A·g −1 ) and better stability (797 mAh·g −1 after 200 cycles at 100 mA·g −1 ). The excellent reversible Li ion storage capacity, cycling stability and rate capacity endow MnCo 2 O 4 @C/Cu great potential as stable and high output integrated anode materials in Li‐ion batteries.