Transition metal oxides MO_x (M=Fe, Co, Mn ···) are being extensively investigated as a group of next generation anode materials for rechargeable lithium batteries, because of their high theoretical specific capacities based on conversion reactions during charging/discharging. Manganese oxides are specially considered also for their low cost and environmental friendliness. In this paper, Mn₃O₄ with different morphologies, i.e. micro-balls and polyhedral particles (Fig. 1), are prepared by tuning the synthesis atmosphere. The crystallographic structure, particle morphology and electrochemical performance are comprehensively studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and galvanostatic cycling. The relationship between the particle structure and battery performance of different shaped Mn₃O₄will be comparatively discussed.

This work is financially supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Shaanxi Province (China, Grant No. 2014JQ2-2007), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 21503158), the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of China (Grant No. xjj2014044) and the 111 Project (Grant No. B14040).

Fig. 1