Synthesis and electrochemical properties of Mn-doped porous Mg0.9Zn0.1Fe2−xMnxO4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.25) spinel oxides as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Transition metal-based AB 2 O 4 -type spinel oxides were extensively reported as promising anodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In this study, the manganese doped Mg 0.9 Zn 0.1 Fe 2-x Mn x O 4 (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1, and 1.25) porous spinel oxides were synthesized as anode materials for LIBs by a facile sol-gel synthesis method. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the formation of a pure cubic spinel structure with the Fd 3 ̅ m space group for all compounds, while the cubic Fd 3 ̅ m symmetry of all samples was confirmed by Raman scattering spectroscopy. From scanning electron microscopy, it was evident that the synthesized spinels are interconnected nanoparticles that exhibit a face-centered cubic, highly crystalline, thermally very stable, and nanosized microporous morphology. Electrochemical properties of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) anodes made of Mn-doped spinel ferrites were investigated by charge/discharge cycling of the LIBs. It is found that Mn doping led to a significant enhancement of the performance stability during the discharge-charge process, with excellent cycling stability and good rate capability for the compound where x = 1, maintaining a specific capacity at 307 mAh g -1 after 50 cycles. The Li-ion storage mechanism was examined by cyclic voltammetry measurements at various scan rates. The present study suggests eco-friendly, inexpensive, and efficient spinel oxides as suitable alternative anode materials for LIBs. • Manganese-doped porous Mg 0.9 Zn 0.1 Fe 2-x Mn x O 4 spinels prepared by sol-gel method. • Porous Mg 0.9 Zn 0.1 Fe 2-x Mn x O 4 samples show the Fd 3 ̅ m cubic spinel structure. • Synthesized Mg 0.9 Zn 0.1 Fe 2-x Mn x O 4 spinels exhibit a macroporous morphology. • Porous Mg 0.9 Zn 0.1 Fe 2-x Mn x O 4 spinels as anodes for LIBs were investigated. • Mg 0.9 Zn 0.1 FeMnO 4 shows a reversible capacity of 307 mAh g -1 after 50 cycles.