Molybdenum Substitution for Improving the Charge Compensation and Activity of Li2MnO3

Lithium‐rich layer‐structured oxides xLi₂MnO₃? (1?x)LiMO₂ (0<x<1, M=Mn, Ni, Co, etc.) are interesting and potential cathode materials for high energy‐density lithium ion batteries. However, the characteristic charge compensation contributed by O^2? in Li₂MnO₃ leads to the evolution of oxygen during the initial Li⁺ ion extraction at high voltage and voltage fading in subsequent cycling, resulting in a safety hazard and poor cycling performance of the battery. Molybdenum substitution was performed in this work to provide another electron donor and to enhance the electrochemical activity of Li₂MnO₃‐based cathode materials. X‐ray diffraction and adsorption studies indicated that Mo⁵⁺ substitution expands the unit cell in the crystal lattice and weakens the Li?O and Mn?O bonds, as well as enhancing the activity of Li₂MnO₃ by lowering its delithiation potential and suppressing the release of oxygen. In addition, the chemical environment of O^2? ions in molybdenum‐substituted Li₂MnO₃ is more reversible than in the unsubstituted sample during cycling. Therefore molybdenum substitution is expected to improve the performances of the Li₂MnO₃‐based lithium‐rich cathode materials.