Enhanced Electrochemical Properties of γ-MnS@rGO Composite as Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Manganese sulfide (MnS) is a metal chalcogenide with a high theoretical capacity (616 mAhg(-1)) and can be used as an alternative anode material for lithium-ion batteries. Generally, metal chalcogenides have intrinsic limitations, such as low stability resulting from volume expansion and poor electronic conductivity. Herein, the authors propose a synthesis strategy of nano-sized gamma-MnS, and one-step composite process by the growth of nanoparticles on the surface of reduced graphene oxide (rGO). These strategies can effectively prevent particle aggregation and enhance an electrochemical stability. The electrochemical performance of the gamma-MnS@rGO composite was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge and discharge measurements. The results showed that the gamma-MnS@rGO composite delivered a high specific capacity (624 mAhg(-1) at 0.5 Ag-1 after 100 cycles), good cycling stability, and excellent rate capability compared to bare gamma-MnS.