Iron Doping in Spinel NiMn2O4: Stabilization of the Mesoporous Cubic Phase and Kinetics Activation toward Highly Reversible Li+ Storage

Quaternary oxide structures with a three-dimensional macro/mesoporous network are synthesized via a facile nanocasting method followed by a calcination process. Structural engineering integrates multiscale pores by using a hydrophilic membrane with tunable-porosity as the sacrificial template. Through tailoring the metal precursor ratio, the tetragonal sites of spinel oxide are preferentially occupied by iron, resulting in a stabilized mesoporous cubic phase. Crystal field theory together with compositional characterizations from energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Mossbauer, and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) direct our detailed analysis of the cation distribution in the spinel structures. Galvanostatic tests based on the best performing electrode exhibits a robust cycle life stable for 1200 cycles at a high current density of 1500 mA g(-1). This good Li+ storage performance could be attributed to the mutually beneficial synergy of the optimal level of iron doping which improves the electrical conductivity and structural robustness, as well as the presence of extended, hierarchical macro/mesoporous network. Finally, we demonstrate three feasible surface modification strategies for the oxide anodes toward better reversibility of Li+ storage.