Summary
- Manganese is considered a potential replacement for nickel and cobalt in batteries due to its abundance and low cost
- Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found that larger particles of manganese can be used in cathode materials, contrary to previous beliefs that nanosized particles were necessary
- A new two-day process involving lithium ion removal and low-temperature heating has been developed to enhance the battery performance of manganese-based cathodes
- Atomic-scale imaging revealed a semi-ordered nanoscale structure of the material post-processing, improving its ability to store and deliver energy
- By studying the material’s behavior at different scales, researchers gained insights into nano-engineering future battery materials and advancing manganese-based cathodes for real-world applications
Article
A new process for manganese-based battery materials has been developed, offering a potential alternative to replace nickel and cobalt in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Manganese, which is earth-abundant and cheap, could serve as a low-cost, safe alternative as it is the fifth most abundant metal in the Earth’s crust. The research, led by the Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, focuses on using manganese in emerging cathode materials called disordered rock salts (DRX). Previous studies suggested that nanosized particles were necessary for optimal performance, but the new study found that larger particles can excel in manganese-based cathodes.
The study conducted by researchers at Berkeley Lab and UC Berkeley showed that manganese-based cathodes can perform well with particles that are about 1000 times larger than previously expected. A novel two-day process was developed to remove lithium ions from the cathode material and heat it at low temperatures (about 200 degrees Celsius), contrasting with the existing lengthy treatment process. The unique microscopic structure formed during this process enhances the battery performance, allowing for dense energy storage and delivery. State-of-the-art electron microscopes were used to capture atomic-scale images of the manganese-based material, showing the formation of a nanoscale semi-ordered structure that improves performance.
Using advanced techniques with X-rays, the researchers studied how battery cycling affects chemical changes in manganese and oxygen at a macroscopic level. This multi-scale approach provides insights into nano-engineering future battery materials using manganese. The researchers gained a better understanding of the material’s unique nanostructure and synthesis process that enhances its electrochemical performance. By pushing this material closer to real-world battery applications, the team aims to provide a sustainable and cost-effective solution to the limited nickel and cobalt supplies commonly used in lithium-ion batteries.
The research utilized resources at three DOE Office of Science user facilities, including the Advanced Light Source and Molecular Foundry at Berkeley Lab, and the National Synchrotron Light Source II at Brookhaven National Laboratory. Supported by DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy and Office of Science, the study represents a significant step towards advancing manganese-based battery technology. By developing a better understanding of the material’s behavior at different scales and refining the synthesis process, the researchers aim to accelerate the deployment of manganese-based cathodes in practical battery applications.
Overall, this research offers a promising avenue for the use of manganese in battery materials, providing a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to nickel and cobalt. By demonstrating that larger particles of manganese can excel in cathode materials, the study opens up new possibilities for energy storage using earth-abundant resources. The development of a novel synthesis process and a deep understanding of the material’s behavior at different scales pave the way for the implementation of manganese-based cathodes in real-world applications, contributing to the advancement of battery technology and renewable energy storage.
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