Ce-doped Mn3O4 as high-performance anode material for lithium ion batteries

Abstract

A series of Ce-doped Mn3O4 (Mn3-xCexO4, x = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, and 0.04) samples have been successfully synthesized by using a facile hydrothermal method. The composition, phase, structure and morphologies of the as-prepared compounds were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The cell parameters and the electronic conductivity increase with the increasing of x. The amount x of Ce doping can not exceed 0.03 in order to keep the pure tetragonal structure of Mn3O4. As anode of lithium half cell, Ce-doping improved obviously the electrochemical performances of the pristine Mn3O4 at the expense of the first discharge capacity. Particular, The compound Mn2.98Ce0.02O4 displayed the highest capacity (754.2 mAh g−1) up to 100 cycles at 100 mA g−1, accompanied with good rate capability (238 mAh g−1 even at 5C), which can be attributed to that Ce-doping resulted into the bigger diffusion channels, the more robust structure and the reduced charge transfer impedances. This study provides a new insights into promoting the application of Mn3O4 into lithium ion batteries.