In this paper, we demonstrated the preparation and application of porous LiMn2O4 nanorods as cathode materials for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Solid-state lithiation of porous Mn2O3 nanorods, resulting from thermal decomposition of MnC2O4 precursor, led to the formation of porous LiMn2O4 nanorods with high crystallinity and phase purity. Without surface modification, the as-synthesized porous nanorods exhibited superior high-rate capability and cyclability to the counterpart nonporous nanorods and nanoparticles. An initial discharge capacity of 105 mAh g−1 could be delivered at 10 C rate, and capacity retention of about 90% was obtained after 500 cycles at this high rate. The durable high-rate capability was attributed to the unique porous one-dimensional (1D) nanostructure that gave rise to fast Li-intercalation kinetics and good structural stability for the spinel electrodes. The beneficial gains from 1D porous nanoarchitecture may enlighten the design and construction of new spinel-based electrode for high power applications.
