A simple synthesis of hollow Mn2O3 core-shell microspheres and their application in lithium ion batteries.

Hollow Mn2O3 core–shell microspheres were successfully fabricated via a mixed method including a solution method and a subsequent thermal decomposition. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the average size of Mn2O3 cores was about 0.8 μm and their shell thickness was 120 nm. These hollow Mn2O3 core–shell microspheres as anode materials exhibited a high specific capacity of up to 620 mA h g−1 with a good cycling performance (500 cycles), indicating that the hollow Mn2O3 core–shell microsphere material was a promising anode candidate for a high-capacity, low-cost, and environment-friendly lithium ion battery. The formation mechanism was studied in detail.