Hierarchical architectured MnCO 3 microdumbbells and lamellar structured MnCO 3 nanosheets were selectively synthesized by a facile reflux route. Hierarchical architectured MnCO 3 microdumbbells (approximately 0.5-1.5 μm in length and 0.3-0.9 μm in width) were composed of nanoparticles, while the lamellar structured MnCO 3 nanosheets had uniform length of approximately 400 nm. Both structures were employed as anode active materials in lithium ion batteries. Experimental results showed that the hierarchical architectured MnCO 3 microdumbbells exhibited superior electrochemical performances compared with the lamellar structured MnCO 3 nanosheets. At a current rate of 0.5 C, the reversible capacity of the hierarchical architectured MnCO 3 microdumbbell electrode after 100 cycles was 775 mA h g −1 , while the lamellar structured MnCO 3 nanosheets electrode was only 50 mA h g −1 after 100 cycles. The superior electrochemical behavior of hierarchical architectured MnCO 3 microdumbbell materials could be ascribed to the unique micro-nano assembly structure, simultaneously cushioning the volume change, maintaining the electrode integrity, and offering a short diffusion distance.
CrystEngCommThis journal is