Microwave-assisted synthesis and electrochemical characterization of α-MnO2 as catalyst for lithium-air batteries

A novel preparation path for the synthesis of MnO₂-based wire-shaped catalyst material for lithium-air electrodes is presented. The electrode was prepared with direct laser-transfer, which is solvent free and considered environmental benign. High specific charge, 869 and 2978 A h kg^?1, was achieved for the total mass of one electrode and carbon content, respectively. The electrode faded about 11% of the initial specific charge after 60 cycles.     

Effects of oxygen vacancy on the electrochemical properties of γ-V2O5 as cathode material for lithium-ion batteries: a first-principle study

Generating oxygen vacancies is an effective way to improve the lithium-ion storage performance of V₂O₅. However, the mechanism has not been theoretically investigated. In this study, first-principle calculations were performed to study the effect of oxygen vacancy on electrochemical properties of γ-V₂O₅ as cathode material for lithium-ion batteries. γ-V₂O₅ with oxygen vacancy mole fraction of 1.67% shows an open circuit voltage about 0.1 V lower than that of the perfect γ-V₂O₅. Oxygen vacancies generates gap states, which is beneficial to the electronic conductivity of γ-V₂O₅ and γ-LiV₂O₅. In addition, the activation energies for lithium-ion diffusion along [010] in both γ-V₂O₅ and γ-LiV₂O₅ are increased by oxygen vacancy, which might lead to the decrease of diffusion coefficient. Our results will provide guidance for further improving the lithium-ion storage performance of γ-V₂O₅.

     

Synthesis and electrochemical performance of CeO2@CNTs/S composite cathode for Li–S batteries

The shuttle effect of lithium-sulfur (Li–S) battery is one of the crucial factors restraining its commercial application, because LiPSs (lithium polysulfides) usually leads to poor cycle life and low coulomb efficiency. Some studies have shown that metal oxides can adsorb soluble polysulfides. Herein, CeO₂ (cerium-oxide)-doped carbon nanotubes (CeO₂@CNTs) were prepared by the hydrothermal method. The polar metal oxide CeO₂ enhanced the chemisorption of the cathode to LiPSs and promoted the redox reaction of the cathode through catalysis properties. Meanwhile, the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) enhanced cathode conductivity and achieved more sulfur loading. The strategy could alleviate polysulfide shuttling and accelerate redox kinetics, improving Li–S batteries' electrochemical performances. As a result, the CeO₂@CNTs/S composite cathode showed the excellent capacity of 1437.6 mAh g⁻¹ in the current density of 167.5 mA g⁻¹ at 0.1 C, as well as a long-term cyclability with an inferior capacity decay of 0.17% per cycle and a superhigh coulombic efficiency of 100.434% within 300 cycles. The superior electrochemical performance was attributed to the polar adsorption of CeO₂ on polysulfides and the excellent conductivity of CNTs.

     

Synthesis and electrochemical properties of regular hexahedron α-Fe2O3

Synthesis of α-Fe₂O₃ compound with regular hexahedron shape is firstly reported. X-ray diffraction and scan electron microscope are used to characterize the structure and morphology of the prepared sample, respectively. The average edge length of hexahedron is about 0.9 μm. A reaction mechanism has been proposed. The pH value is a crucial factor for the formation and shape of α-Fe₂O₃. Moreover, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and charge-discharge test of α-Fe₂O₃ as anode material in lithium ion batteries are evaluated. The data indicate that the synthesized regular hexahedron α-Fe₂O₃ can show better electrochemical properties than that of the commercial.     

Improved electrochemical properties of chromium substituted in LiCr1 ? x Ni x O2 cathode materials for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries

Pristine- and chromium-substituted LiNiO₂ nanoparticles were synthesized by sol-gel method using nitrate precursor at 800?°C for 12?h. Physical properties of the synthesized product were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and energy dispersive analysis X-ray. XRD studies revealed a well-defined layer structure and a linear variation of lattice parameters with the addition of chromium and no impurities. Surface morphology and particle size of synthesized materials were changed with chromium addition using SEM and TEM analyses. Assembled lithium-ion cells were evaluated for charge/discharge studies at different rates, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectra. The initial discharge capacity of LiNiO₂ cathode material was found to be 168?mA hg^?1; however, discharge capacity increased in chromium substitution. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed that LiCr_0.10Ni_0.90O₂ could enhance charge transfer resistance upon cycling. The substitution of Ni with chromium, LiCr_0.10Ni_0.90O₂, had better cycle life, low irreversible capacity, and excellent electrochemical performance.     

Synthesis and electrochemical properties of sulfur doped-LixMnO2−ySy materials for lithium secondary batteries

Sulfur doped lithium manganese oxides (Li_xMnO_2−yS_y) were prepared by ion exchange of sodium for lithium in Na_xMnO_2−yS_y precursors obtained by a sol–gel method. These materials had the nano-crystallite size, which was composed of grain size of about 100–200 nm. Especially, Li_0.56MnO_1.98S_0.02 delivered the initial discharge capacity of 170 mAh g⁻¹ and gradually increased the discharge capacity of 220 mAh g⁻¹ until 50 cycles. Moreover, it showed an excellent cycling behavior, although its original structure transformed into the spinel phase during cycling.     

Synthesis and electrochemical performance of TiO2–sulfur composite cathode materials for lithium–sulfur batteries

Titania–sulfur (TiO₂–S) composite cathode materials were synthesized for lithium–sulfur batteries. The composites were characterized and examined by X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption/desorption measurements, scanning electron microscopy, and electrochemical methods, such as cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and galvanostatic charge–discharge tests. It is found that the mesoporous TiO₂ and sulfur particles are uniformly distributed in the composite after a melt-diffusion process. When evaluating the electrochemical properties of as-prepared TiO₂–S composite as cathode materials in lithium–sulfur batteries, it exhibits much improved cyclical stability and high rate performance. The results showed that an initial discharge specific capacity of 1,460 mAh/g at 0.2 C and capacity retention ratio of 46.6 % over 100 cycles of composite cathode, which are higher than that of pristine sulfur. The improvements of electrochemical performances were due to the good dispersion of sulfur in the pores of TiO₂ particles and the excellent adsorbing effect on polysulfides of TiO₂.     

Simple synthesis of sandwich-like SnSe2/rGO as high initial coulombic efficiency and high stability anode for sodium-ion batteries

Metal selenides owing to their high theoretical capacity and good conductivity are considered as one of the potential candidates for the anode materials of sodium-ion batteries(SIBs).However,their practical applications are greatly restricted by the poor cycling performances and complicated synthesis methods.In this work,a sandwich-like Sn Se2/reduced graphene oxide(r GO)composite with a small amount of r GO(7.3%)is synthesized by a simple one-pot solvothermal technique.The as-synthesized Sn Se2/r GO shows improved initial coulombic efficiency(ICE)of 73.7%,high capacity of 402.0 m Ah g-1 after 150 cycles at 0.1 A g-1 with a retention of 86.2%and outstanding rate performances.The abundant Sn-O-C bonds of synthesized material not only accelerate the charge transfer at the interface but also enhance the mechanical strength to accommodate volume variation and prevent active material loss during cycling.Moreover,the compact structure leads to thin solid electrolyte interface(SEI)so that high initial coulombic efficiency was obtained.Furthermore,full cells are assembled to test its potential application.This work offers a simple method to synthesize Sn Se2/r GO as a candidate anode for SIBs.     

Structure and electrochemical performance of nanostructured Sn–Co alloy/carbon nanotube composites as anodes for lithium ion batteries

Nanoparticles of Sn–Co alloy were deposited on the surface of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by reductive precipitation of solution of chelating metal salts within a CNTs suspension. The Sn–Co/CNTs nano-composite revealed a high reversible capacity of 424 mA h g^?1 and stable cyclic retention at 30th cycle. The improvement of reversible capacity and cyclic performance of the Sn–Co/CNTs composite is attributed to the nanoscale dimension of the Sn–Co alloy particles and the network of CNTs. Inactive Co as glue matrix of Sn prevents the possible pulverization of nanosized alloy particles. The CNTs could be pinning the Sn–Co alloy particles on their surfaces so as to hinder the agglomeration of Sn–Co alloy particles, while maintaining electronic conduction as well as accommodating drastic volume change during Li insertion and extraction reactions.     

Synthesis and electrochemical properties of LiNi0.85 ? x Co x Mn0.15O2 as cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries

LiNi_0.85−x Co _x Mn_0.15O₂ cathode material was prepared by a rheological phase reaction method with LiNO₃, M(NO₃)₂ 6H₂O (M = Ni, Co, Mn), and citric acid as starting materials. The mixture of reactants and a proper amount of water reacted to form a rheological precursor. The rheological precursor was pretreated in autoclaves and then calcined at 750 °C under flowing oxygen. All the samples have a typical layered structure with space group R3-m and good electrochemical performances. The cobalt content has a significant effect on the electrochemical performance for the materials. LiNi_0.65Co_0.20Mn_0.15O₂ exhibits the best electrochemical properties in the five compounds. It gives an initial discharge capacity of 173.6mAhg⁻¹ (50mA g⁻¹, 3.0−4.3V), and the capacity rention after 50 cycles is 90.6%. This method is simple and effective for preparing cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries.     

Influence of the composition on the electrochemical properties of cathode materials xLi2MnO3•(1–x)LiMn1/3Ni1/3Co1/3O2 for lithium-ion batteries

Russian Chemical Bulletin - Lithium-rich transition metal complex oxides of the general composition xLi2MnO3? ?(1–x)LiMO2 (M = MnaNibCoc, a + b + c = 1) were synthesized by...     

Synthesis and electrochemical performance of sulfur–carbon composite cathode for lithium–sulfur batteries

In this paper, porous carbon was synthesized by an activation method, with phenolic resin as carbon source and nanometer calcium carbonate as activating agent. Sulfur–porous carbon composite material was prepared by thermally treating a mixture of sublimed sulfur and porous carbon. Morphology and electrochemical performance of the carbon and sulfur–carbon composite cathode were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS), and galvanostatic charge–discharge test. The composite containing 39 wt.% sulfur obtained an initial discharge capacity of about 1,130 mA?h g^?1 under the current density of 80 mA?g^?1 and presented a long electrochemical stability up to 100 cycles.     

Facile synthesis of multiwalled carbon nanotube–V2O5 nanocomposites as cathode materials for Li-ion batteries

Multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)–vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅) nanocomposites have been fabricated using a facile and environmental friendly hydrothermal method without any pretreatment, surfactants, or chelate agents added. The as-annealed nanocomposites are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the results indicate that V₂O₅ nanoparticles grew on MWCNTs. As a cathode material for lithium batteries, it exhibits superior electrochemical performance compare to the pure V₂O₅ powders. A high specific discharge capacity of 253 mA h g^?1 can be obtained for the 15 % MWCNT–V₂O₅ nanocomposite electrodes, which retains 209 mA h g^?1 after 50 cycles. However, the pure V₂O₅ powder electrodes only possess a specific discharge capacity of 157 mA h g^?1 with a capacity retention of 127 mA h g^?1 after 50 cycles. Moreover, the MWCNT–V₂O₅ nanocomposite electrodes show an excellent rate capability with a specific discharge capacity of 180 mA h g^?1 at the current rate of 4 C. The enhanced electrochemical performance of the nanocomposites is attributed to the formation of conductive networks by MWCNTs, and large surface areas of V₂O₅ nanoparticles grew on MWCNTs which stabilizes these nanoparticles against agglomeration.     

Hierarchical NiCo2O4 nanorods as an efficient cathode catalyst for rechargeable non-aqueous Li–O2 batteries

NiCo₂O₄ nanorods were synthesized by a hydrothermal method followed by low temperature calcination. FESEM and TEM analyses confirmed that the as-prepared materials consist of a hierarchical nanorod structure. When applied as cathode catalysts in rechargeable Li–O₂ batteries, NiCo₂O₄ nanorods exhibited a superior catalytic activity, including low charge over-potential, high discharge capacity and high-rate capability.     

Effect of electronic state of ions on the electrochemical properties of layered cathode materials LiNi1−2x Co x Mn x O2

The cathode materials of the composition LiNi_{1 − 2x} Co _x Mn _x O₂ (x = 0.1, 0.2. 0.33) synthesized from the Ni, Co, Mn mixed hydroxides and LiOH by using mechanical activation method are studied. It is shown that all synthesized compounds have layered structure described by the space group R-3m. With the decreasing of the nickel content the cell volume and the degree of structure disordering decrease. According to XPS data, the electronic main state of d-ions at the prepared samples’ surfaces corresponds to Ni²⁺, Co³⁺, and Mn⁴⁺. An increase in the nickel content leads to the increase of the Ni2p _3/2 and Co2p _3/2 binding energy, which points to the change in the Me-O bond covalence. According to magnetic susceptibility measurements data, the nickel ions in LiNi_0.6Co_0.2Mn_0.2O₂ exist in the two oxidation states: Ni²⁺ and Ni³⁺. It is shown that this sample has the highest specific discharge capacity (∼170 mAh/g). The positions of redox peaks in the differential capacitance curves depend on the sample composition: with the increasing of nickel content they are shifted toward lower voltages. Based on the paper presented in the IX International Conference “Basic Problems of Energy Conversion in Lithium Electrochemical Systems” (Ufa, 2006).     

Preparation of NiO/multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposite for use as the oxygen cathode catalyst in rechargeable Li–O2 batteries

NiO/multiwalled carbon nanotube (NiO/MWCNT) nanocomposites have been prepared and used for a Li–O₂ battery cathode catalyst. Electrochemical measurements demonstrate that the batteries with NiO/MWCNT catalyst have a discharge capacity of 2,500 mAh g^?1, a charge capacity of 2,100 mAh g^?1, and a rechargeable ability performing better than Ketjenblack (KB) and MWCNTs. KB has the largest discharge capacity (2,700 mAh g^?1) due to the highest surface area and pore volume but the worst charging behavior due to poor mass transport in the small-width pore (2.48 nm). MWCNTs have a much better charging performance owing to a larger pore width (8.93 nm) than carbon black. NiO/MWCNTs have the largest charge capacity because of the facilitated mass transport in the comparatively large pores (7.68 nm) and the increased catalytic ability produced by the NiO nanoparticles. These improvements are also responsible for the best cycle and rate performances of the nanocomposites among the three catalysts.     

Multistep sintering preparation and electrochemical performances of LiFe0.7 V0.2PO4/C cathode material for lithium-ion batteries

Cathode material LiFe_0.7?V_0.2PO₄/C is successfully synthesized by multistep sintering through carbon thermal reaction including 650 °C for 10 h and 750 °C for 6 h. The crystal structure and surface morphology of the synthesized materials are characterized by X-ray diffractometer and scanning electron microscope, respectively. Cycle voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and charge–discharge test are used to investigate the electrochemical performances of these samples. The results revealed that the synthesized LiFe_0.7?V_0.2PO₄/C material simultaneously contains olivine structure LiFePO₄ and monoclinic structure Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃. It shows improved conductivity, Li-ion diffusion coefficient, excellent charge/discharge performance, and reversibility due to both the incorporation of Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃ fast ion conductor and the employed multistep sintering. The initial discharge specific capacities of LiFe_0.7?V_0.2PO₄/C by multistep sintering are 167.8, 154.7, and 140.8 mAh g^?1 at 0.5, 1, and 2 C, respectively. After a total of 230 cycles at different rates, the sample still shows good performances. After 100 cycles at 2 C, the capacity retention is 99.1 %, and the capacity is 139.6 mAh g^?1. The LiFe_0.7?V_0.2PO₄/C material synthesized by this method can be used as a cathode material for advanced lithium-ion batteries.     

Synthesis,characterization and electrochemical properties of α-MoO<Subscript>3</Subscript> nanobelts for Li-ion batteries

Orthorhombic molybdenum trioxide (α-MoO₃) nanobelts have been successfully synthesized by hydrothermal method at 180°C for 20 h. The prepared α-MoO₃ samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform IR spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy methods. It was found that α-MoO₃ nanobelts grow along the c-axis, with ±(100) top or bottom surfaces and ±(010) side surfaces. The prepared α-MoO₃ nanobelts were used as cathode materials for Li-ion batteries. They exhibit specific capacity of 1340 and 1250 mA h g^–1 at a current density of 100 and 400 mA/g, respectively.     

Synthesis and electrochemical properties of dual doped spinels LiNi_xAl_yMn_(2-x-y)O_4 via facile novel chelated sol–gel method as possible cathode material for lithium rechargeable batteries

LiMn_2O_4 and LiNi_xAlyMn_(2-x-y)O_4(x= 0.50;y = 0.05-0.50) powders have been synthesized via facile solgel method using Behenic acid as active cheiating agent.The synthesized samples are subjected to physical characterizations such as thermo gravimetric analysis(TG/DTA),X-ray diffraction(XRD),Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR),field-emission scanning electron microscopy(FESEM),transmission electron microscopy(TEM) and electrochemical studies viz.,galvanostatic cycling properties,electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS) and differential capacity curves(dQ/dE).Finger print XRD patterns of LiMn_2O_4 and LiNi_xAl_yMn_(2-x-y)O_4 fortify the high degree of crystallinity with better phase purity.FESEM images of the undoped pristine spinel illustrate uniform spherical grains surface morphology with an average particle size of 0.5 μm while Ni doped particles depict the spherical grains growth(50nm) with ice-cube surface morphology.TEM images of the spinel LiMn_2O_4 shows the uniform spherical morphology with particle size of(100 nm) while low level of Al-doping spinel(LiNio.5Alo.05Mn1.45O4) displaying cloudy particles with agglomerated particles of(50nm).The LiMn_2O_4 samples calcined at 850℃ deliver the discharge capacity of 130 mAh/g in the first cycle corresponds to 94%coiumbic efficiency with capacity fade of 1.5 mAh/g/cycle over the investigated 10 cycles.Among all four dopant compositions investigated,LiNi_(0.5)Al_(0.05)Mn_(1.45)O_4 delivers the maximum discharge capacity of 126 mAh/g during the first cycle and shows the stable cycling performance with low capacity fade of 1 mAh/g/cycle(capacity retention of 92%) over the investigated 10 cycles.Electrochemical impedance studies of spinel LiMn_2O_4 and LiNi_(0.5)Al_(0.05)Mn_(1.45)O_4 depict the high and low real polarization of 1562 and 1100 Ω.     

Molten salt synthesis of α-MnO2/Mn2O3 nanocomposite as a high-performance cathode material for aqueous zinc-ion batteries

Thanks to low cost,high safety,and large energy density,aqueous zinc-ion batteries have attracted tremendous interest worldwide.However,it remains a challenge to develop high-performance cathode materials with an appropriate method that is easy to realize massive production.Herein,we use a molten salt method to synthesize nanostructured manganese oxides.The crystalline phases of the manganese oxides can be tuned by changing the amount of reduced graphene oxide added to the reactant mixture.It is found that the α-MnO₂/Mn₂O₃ nanocomposite with the largest mass ratio of Mn₂O₃ delivers the best electrochemical performances among all the products.And its rate capability and cyclability can be significantly improved by modifying the Zn anode with carbon black coating and nanocellulose binder.In this situation,the nanocomposite can deliver high discharging capacities of 322.1 and 213.6 mAh g^-1 at 0.2 and 3 Ag^-1,respectively.After 1000 cycles,it can retain 86.2% of the capacity at the 2 nd cycle.Thus,this nanocomposite holds great promise for practical applications.