Low-Cost Mn-Based Cathode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Abstract

Due to a high energy density and satisfactory longevity, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been widely applied in the fields of consumer electronics and electric vehicles. Cathodes, an essential part of LIBs, greatly determine the energy density and total cost of LIBs. In order to make LIBs more competitive, it is urgent to develop low-cost commercial cathode materials. Among all cathode materials, Mn-based cathode materials, such as layered LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2 and Li-rich materials, spinel LiMn2O4 and LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4, olivine-type LiMnPO4 and LiMn0.5Fe0.5PO4, stand out owing to their low cost and high energy density. Herein, from the perspective of industrial application, we calculate the product cost of Mn-based cathode materials, select promising candidates with low cost per Wh, and summarize the structural and electrochemical properties and improvement strategies of these low-cost Mn-based cathode materials. Apart from some common issues for Mn-based cathode materials, such as Jahn–Teller distortions and Mn dissolution, we point out the specific problems of each material and provide corresponding improvement strategies to overcome these drawbacks.

Modification Strategies and Challenges of High‐Performance Lithium‐Rich Manganese‐Based Cathode Materials

“…Yi et al discussed the importance of developing low‐cost commercial cathode materials for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) to make them more competitive in the market. [ 3 ] They introduces and analyzes the development status of lithium‐rich manganese‐based (LRM) materials from the novel perspective of cost.…”

Defect-Driven Configurational Entropy in the High-Entropy Oxide Li1.5MO3-δ

“…Here we focus on the subset of materials in which Mn occupies a majority of the metal (M) sites. The Mn based layered oxides are of particular interest due to both the lower toxicity and cost of Mn compared to Co as well as high theoretical capacities attributed to the utilization of more Li in the electrochemical reaction. ,− Unfortunately these materials are limited by phase changes, voltage fade over time, and poor rate capability. ,− The layered Mn-based materials often exist as a phase mixture of Li 2 MnO 3 and LiMnO 2 , with numerous reports of this phase mixture appearing within single particles and/or grains of material; − studies have shown that the high density of grain boundaries and domain walls in these materials can both hinder ion transport and generate strain that leads to cracking and degradation. , …”