Self-template synthesis of peapod-like MnO@N-doped hollow carbon nanotubes as an advanced anode for lithium-ion batteries

The exploration of low-cost and high-performance transition metal oxides/carbon(TMOs/C)-based anodes to replace commercial graphite is still a huge challenge for the development of lithium-ion batteries(LIBs).In this work,MnO@N-doped hollow carbon nanotubes(MnO@NHCNT-v,v refers to the adding volume of pyrrole)hybrids are successfully prepared by a facile selftemplate strategy using Mn3O4 nanotubes(Mn3O4 NT)and pyrrole(PY)as the precursors.The morphology,structure and composition of these MnO@NHCNT-v samples are systematically investigated.And the effect of PY adding amounts on the synthesis of MnO@NHCNT-v samples is also explored.The results show that the Mn_(3)O_(4) NT works as a self-template,which releases Mn3+and guides the growth of polypyrrole(PPY)on Mn_(3)O_(4) NT.Meanwhile,it is demonstrated that the synthesis of MnO@NHCNTv hybrids can be well regulated by the added PY amounts.As a result,MnO@NHCNT-1 hybrid not only makes a good balance on the proportion of MnO and carbon matrix but also simultaneously obtains unique peapod-like structure and successful N doping in NHCNT,resulting in good electrical contact between the two components,enhanced chemical binding by Mn-N-C bonds and enough void space inside its microstructure.Benefitting from these merits,the resulting MnO@NHCNT-1 hybrid exhibits outstanding cycling stability and rate capability when used as a LIBs anode.Our work offers a good guidance on the design and preparation of low-price and high-performance TMOs/C-based LIBs anodes.