Understanding the electrochemical properties of Mn7O8SiO4 as promising anode material for low-cost batteries applications: Redox reation and structural failure

In this work, a novel low cost anode manganese silicate was synthesized from the reaction between MnO2 and SiO2 at 600 °C in an argon atmosphere. XRD patterns revealed that the material has a braunite-like structure (Mn7O8SiO4). The complexed mechanism of lithium storage revealed by electrochemical characterization (cyclic voltammetry, charge-discharge testing) and structural examination (ex-situ XPS, ex-situ XRD). The first discharge capacity up to 800 mAh.g−1 and a reversible capacity of 450 mAh.g−1 was obtained. The preliminary results offered a new promising lithium storage anode material with a low cost and friendly environment, even though further work essentially requires to enhance its low capacity retention issue (only 33% of initial capacity retained after 100 cycles).