A simple synthesis of MnN0.43@C nanocomposite: characterization and application as battery material

• Published in: Journal of nanoparticle research : an interdisciplinary forum for nanoscale science and technology Vol. 16; no. 12
• Main Authors: Milke, Bettina, Wall, Clemens, Metzke, Sarah, Clavel, Guylhaine, Fichtner, Maximilian, Giordano, Cristina
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dordrecht Springer Netherlands 01.12.2014; Springer
• Subjects: Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry and Materials Science; Condensed matter: electronic structure, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties; Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Electronic structure and electrical properties of surfaces, interfaces, thin films and low-dimensional structures; Electronic transport in multilayers, nanoscale materials and structures; Exact sciences and technology; Fullerenes and related materials; diamonds, graphite; Inorganic Chemistry; Lasers; Materials Science; Nanocrystalline materials; Nanoscale materials and structures: fabrication and characterization; Nanotechnology; Optical Devices; Optics; Photonics; Physical Chemistry; Physics; Research Paper; Specific materials; Thermal properties of condensed matter; Thermal properties of small particles, nanocrystals, nanotubes; Nanoparticles; Urea; Conversion electrode materials; Lithium batteries; Manganese nitride; Energy storage; Encapsulation; Electrical conductivity; Chemical stability; XRD; SAED; Electrode material; Thermal stability; Nitrides; Active material; Sol-gel process; Nanomaterial synthesis; Carbon; Lithium battery; Thermal properties; Transmission electron microscopy; EEL spectroscopy; Nanocomposites; Graphite; Formation mechanism; Nanostructured materials
• ISSN: 1388-0764; 1572-896X
• DOI: 10.1007/s11051-014-2795-2

In the search of new materials for advanced batteries, manganese nitride is an appealing choice. However, in order to fully explore its potentiality, a suitable synthesis is the first mandatory step. In this contribution, nanosized manganese nitride covered by a graphitic shell has been prepared by a simple sol–gel-based process. Since graphite has a high thermal and chemical stability, it acts as stabilizing agent for the MnN 0.43 nanoparticles. As a consequence, the particles do not oxidize for instance during the handling of the material and can be stored in air without special precautions. Furthermore, the graphitic shell makes the material more interesting for electrochemical applications, because graphite provides on the one hand an electrical conductivity, which is necessary for the function of active materials, and on the other hand also contributes to the Li storage capacity. The as-prepared nanocomposite was tested as anode material versus lithium metal as counter electrode, showing excellent cyclic stability, 230 mAh/g of capacity, and coulombic efficiencies close to 100 %. Since MnN 0.43 possesses a theoretical capacity higher than commercial graphite and exhibits less polarization than several previously reported metal nitrides, it represents an attractive candidate as alternative/novel anode material. The method presented herein offers a simple route to prepare MnN 0.43 nanoparticles encapsulated in carbon. The formation mechanism has been investigated, and the detailed characterization of the material before and after battery test (via XRD, HR-TEM, SAED, EELS) is discussed in the text. Graphical Abstract