Mesoporous nitrogen-doped carbon MnO2 multichannel nanotubes with high performance for Li-ion batteries

Lack of suitable ion channels and low electronic conductivity hinder MnO2 as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. Multiple ion channels rapidly and selectively gate ion transport to maintain superior energy storage. We report a mesoporous N-doped C modified MnO2 hollow nanotube with multiple Li-ion transport channels. When used as Li-ion batteries anode, due to multichannel ion transport of mesoporous N-doped C modified MnO2, the diffusion coefficient of Li+ reaches ~ 10−8 cm2 s−1. And the batteries show excellent specific capacity (as high as 468.4 mA h g−1 at 5 A g−1), superior rate capability (the current density from 100 A g−1 to 5 A g−1), good cycling ability (preserving ~92.5% capacity after 10000 cycles). Our multiple ion channels design contributes a novel idea for preparing outstanding comprehensive performance anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Fig. 1. Three forms of ultrafast transport of Li+ at the anode. [Display omitted] •N-dope C covering the surface of MnO2 nanotubes, which enhances the integral conductivity.•N-dope C inhibits the volume expansion during Li+ insertion/de-insertion processes.•Multiple Li-ion transport channels make ultra-high diffusion coefficient of Li+.