Easy synthesis of MnO–graphene hybrids for high-performance lithium storage

Graphene oxide was produced using a modified Hummers method and used to produce a MnSO4–graphene oxide (MnSO4–GO) hybrid which was then transformed into a MnO–graphene hybrid by precipitation with NaOH followed by hydrogen reduction. The MnO–graphene hybrid shows a high specific capacity of 870 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 as an anode material for lithium ion batteries, which is much higher than that of bare MnO (around 456 mAh g−1). A capacity of 390 mAh g−1 could be maintained even at a high current density of 1600 mA g−1. This green and highly efficient approach offers a new technique for the synthesis of MnOx–graphene battery materials. arbon Materials 2014, 29(4): 316–321]