A novel coral-like LiMn2O4 nanostructure as Li-ion battery cathode displaying stable energy-storage performance.

[Display omitted] • A novel coral-like LiMn 2 O 4 cathode is prepared. • Biomimetic LiMn 2 O 4 displays stable energy-storage. • Coral-like nanostructure improves rate-performance. • A stable LiMn 2 O 4 cathode for Li-ion battery is achievable. Lithium-ion battery has been widely used in many fields; however, a good energy–density along with a high working voltage cathode is highly required. Here, a three-dimensional coral-like LiMn 2 O 4 nanostructure is developed by annealing a precursor synthesized through a hydrothermal approach, which displays a stable electrochemical performance as Li-ion battery cathode. The coral-like LiMn 2 O 4 cathode exhibits a capacity exceeds 118 mAh/g when cycling at 0.2C, and a Coulombic efficiency of 98.3%. When cycling at a relatively high rate of 0.5C, the electrochemical performance remains stable after 150 cycles. Moreover, good performances are achieved when cycling at different charge/discharge rates, which are ascribed to the biomimetic coral-like structure facilitates the transport of electrons and ions. The general preparation approach and the stable performance of the coral-like cathode would find broad applications for developing many other emerging energy-storage materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]