A Li-ion battery using LiMn2O4 cathode and MnOx/C anode

MnOx/C nanocomposite, in which MnO, nanocrystals (64 wt%, mainly MnO with Mn3O4 phase) 5-30 nm in size are formed in situ in the confined pores of a preformed mesoporous carbon, is prepared by a facile process. The morphology and structure of MnOx/C are characterized using N-2 adsorption/desorption measurement, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). As an anode for Li-ion batteries (LIB), the MnOx/C delivers the theoretical capacity of MnOx (700-750 mAh g(-1) at 100 mA g(-1)) with excellent rate capability. MnOx/C prelithiated is combined with a delithiated LiMn2O4 (LMO) cathode for a complete Li-ion battery cell in a charged state with a cathode limiting capacity. The LMO-MnOx/C cell exhibits reversible capacity of the LMO cathode, with the cycling stability and rate capability dependent upon those of the MnOx/C anode. An LMO-MnOx/C cell with anode loading in slight excess delivers reversible capacity of LMO without capacity fading for up to 245 cycles, and exhibits an appreciable rate capability at 2 C. The LMO-MnOx/C configuration can be developed as a reliable LIB, potentially offering low cost, high rate capability, safety, and reliability. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.