Issue 14, 2015

In situ high-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction studies and first principles modeling of α-MnO2 electrodes in Li–O2 and Li-ion coin cells

Abstract

Despite their technological challenges, non-aqueous rechargeable lithium–oxygen cells offer extremely high theoretical energy densities and are therefore attracting much attention in a rapidly emerging area of electrochemical research. Early results have suggested that, among the transition metal oxides, alpha manganese dioxide (α-MnO2) appears to offer electrocatalytic properties that can enhance the electrochemical properties of Li–O2 cells, particularly during the early cycles. In this study, we have investigated the hybrid Li-ion/Li–O2 character of α-MnO2 electrodes in Li–O2 coin cells by in situ high-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction, and compared the results with conventional Li/α-MnO2 coin cells assembled under argon. Complementary first principles density functional theory calculations have been used to shed light on competing lithium insertion and lithium and oxygen insertion reactions within the α-MnO2 tunnel structure during discharge, relative to lithium peroxide or lithium oxide formation.

Graphical abstract: In situ high-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction studies and first principles modeling of α-MnO2 electrodes in Li–O2 and Li-ion coin cells

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
03 Dec 2014
Accepted
08 Feb 2015
First published
09 Feb 2015

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2015,3, 7389-7398

Author version available

In situ high-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction studies and first principles modeling of α-MnO2 electrodes in Li–O2 and Li-ion coin cells

Z. Yang, L. Trahey, Y. Ren, M. K. Y. Chan, C. Lin, J. Okasinski and M. M. Thackeray, J. Mater. Chem. A, 2015, 3, 7389 DOI: 10.1039/C4TA06633B

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