Synthesis
of pure single-phase Li2MnSiO4 is
challenging because of its rich polymorphism. Here, we demonstrate
our success in preparing crystalline pure, battery-grade monoclinic
phase Li2MnSiO4 (LMS) employing the temperature-programmed
reaction technique. Systematic analysis of the electrochemical behavior
of Li2MnSiO4 reveals its excellent battery activity
in the monoclinic phase, with an initial discharge capacity of ∼250
mAh g–1 associated with the reversible intercalation
of more than one Li+. The extraction of Li+ ions
from Li2MnSiO4 corresponding to the oxidation
of Mn2+ to Mn3+ then to Mn4+ appears
as single oxidation/reduction peaks at 4.3/3.9 V in the first charge/discharge
sweep of cyclic voltammogram within the potential window of 3.0–4.4
V. However, an extension of cathodic sweep to 2.5 V results in the
appearance of an additional redox peak at 2.7/3.1 V vs Li+/Lio due to the reversible phase transition of monoclinic
phase into battery-active orthorhombic phase induced by Jahn–Teller-active
Mn3+ as evident from ex situ X-ray diffractograms. Indeed,
the reversible intercalation of Li+ into the newly formed
phase accounts for the high specific capacity of LMS within the potential
window of 2.5–4.4 V. The capacity loss in the repeated cycles
of monoclinic Li2MnSiO4 is explained by the
formation of Mn2O3 owing to the dissolution
of Mn3+.
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