MgxMn2-xB2O5 Pyroborates (2/3 ≤ x ≤ 4/3): High Capacity and High Rate Cathodes for Li-Ion Batteries

MgMnB2O5, Mg2/3Mn4/3B2O5, and Mg4/3Mn2/3B2O5 pyroborates have been prepared via a ceramic method. When charging MgMnB(2)O(5)vs Li, all of the Mg2+ can be removed, and with subsequent cycles, 1.4 Li ions, corresponding to a capacity of 250 mAhg(-1), can be reversibly intercalated. This is achieved at a C/25 rate with 99.6% Coulombic efficiency. Significant capacity is retained at high rates with 97 mAhg(-1) at a rate of 2C. Continuous cycling at moderate rates gradually improves performance leading to insertion of 1.8 Li, 314 mAhg(-1) with a specific energy of 802 Whkg(-1), after 1000 cycles at C/5. Ex situ X-ray and neutron diffraction demonstrate the retention of the pyroborate structure on cycling vs Li and a small volume change (1%) between the fully lithiated and delithiated structures. Mg2/3Mn4/3B2O5 and Mg4/3Mn2/3B2O5 are also shown to reversibly intercalate Li at 17.8 and 188.6 mAhg(-1), respectively, with Mn ions likely blocking Mg/Li transport in the Mg2/3Mn4/3B2O5 material. The electrochemical ion-exchange of polyanion materials with labile Mg ions could prove to be a route to high energy density Li-ion cathodes.