Peanut-like MnO@C core–shell composites with an internal carbon network (P-MnO@C) were prepared via an in situ synchronous graphitization and reduction process. These P-MnO@C composites exhibit high specific capacity and rate capability, good stability and excellent long-term cycling life for application in lithium ion batteries.

A porous carbon nanofibers/nanosheets hybrid (CNFS) is converted from cornstalk waste, and displays a superhigh surface area and rich porosity. Benefiting from unique structural features, the evolved CNFS possesses an ultrahigh rate capability of 454 mA h g⁻¹ at 3 A g⁻¹.

One of the major challenges in creating devices with core–shell nanotubular heterostructures has been the coating of conformal nanolayers inside the open volume of a nanoporous template. Here we show two facile assembly strategies developed, utilizing either electrochemical or solvothermal methodology, for the successful synthesis of novel SnO₂@TiO₂ coaxial nanotube arrays (SnO₂@TNTs). Remarkably enhanced Li⁺ ion storage performance of the prepared nanohybrids with favorable and well-defined tubular structures is demonstrated to be derived from the synergistic effect with improved electronic conductivity and dual lithium storage mechanism, which highlights their potential as a new alternative material for electrochemical energy storage.

Silicon is the most promising anode material to replace graphite in lithium ion batteries due to its high theoretical capacity of 4200 mAh g⁻¹. However, the enormous volume expansion of bulk Si during the lithiation process results in severe electrode degradation and capacity decay. Extensive research effort has been devoted to fabricating nanostructured Si-based materials to improve the capacity cycling stability. Herein, a facile two-step approach is developed for the fabrication of novel three-dimensional (3D) nanoarchitectures composed of polypyrrole–silicon (PPy–Si) core–shell nanofibers. Electropolymerized PPy nanofibers are utilized as the flexible substrate for the deposition of Si thin films via a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) procedure. In this well-designed configuration, the PPy nanofibers are favorable for facile charge delivery and gathering, while the porosity of the electrode can efficiently cushion the volume expansion of Si. The electrode delivers a high reversible capacity above 2800 mAh g⁻¹ with appealing cycling stability (∼91% capacity retained after 100 cycles). The rate capability of the electrode is also remarkable with a high capacity and stability. It is revealed that the reticular nanofibers’ morphology is well preserved after repeated lithium insertion and extraction, which certainly indicates the superiority of our electrode design. This fabrication approach can also be extended to other electrodes for electrochemical energy conversion and storage.