Activation of nano-Ca2MnO4 for electrochemical lithium intercalation

Abstract

ABSTRACTCa2MnO4 nanoparticles were prepared by the Pechini method and acid treated to extract Ca2+ ions. Structural, morphological and spectroscopic analyses by XRD, SEM/EDX, TEM/EDS and Raman revealed the formation of an amorphous outer layer at the particles surface with a preserved inner crystalline bulk. Thanks to the outer layer, which is electrochemically active, the acid-treated compounds showed capacity up to 150 Ah/kg. The crystalline bulk improved cycling stability, allowing reaching capacity retention up to 70% after 30 cycles.