Challenges and Strategies of High-Capacity Transition Metal Oxides as Anodes for Lithium-Ion Batteries (LIBs)

Abstract

To satisfy the growing demand for high-energy and high-power-densities Lithium-ion Batteries (LIBs), the design and development of efficient electrode materials are necessary. In comparison to graphite, transition metal oxides (TMOs) have recently been widely investigated as anode materials due to their promising properties. These combine high specific capacities and high working potential, making them attractive anode candidates for emergent applications. Unfortunately, because of their poor electronic conductivity and high-volume expansion during cycling, they are unpractical and difficult to employ. To overcome these limitations, different approaches have been adopted. Examples are synthesizing the metal oxides at the nanometric scale, designing three-dimensional or hollow structures, coating the material with carbonaceous materials, etc. In this chapter, we report the elaboration of nanostructured transition metal oxides (Co3O4, Mn3O4, Co3−xMnxO4) using alginate gelling synthesis method. The Co3O4 octahedral-like nanoparticles display a remarkable cycling performance and good rate capability of 1194 mAh g−1 at C/5 and 937 mAh g−1 at 2C. Partially substituting the Co with Mn was shown to result in the production of Co2.53Mn0.47O4 and MnCo2O4 with high initial specific discharge capacities of 1228/921 and 1290/954 mAh g−1, respectively. As a Co-free material, the Mn3O4 delivers a reversible capacity of 271 mAh g−1, after 100 cycles.