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 AB2O4-type spinel oxides were extensively reported as promising anodes for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). In this study, the manganese doped Mg0.9Zn0.1Fe2-xMnxO4 (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 Fd3̅m space group for all compounds, while the cubic Fd3̅m 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 Mg0.9Zn0.1Fe2-xMnxO4 spinels prepared by sol-gel method.•Porous Mg0.9Zn0.1Fe2-xMnxO4 samples show the Fd3̅m cubic spinel structure.•Synthesized Mg0.9Zn0.1Fe2-xMnxO4 spinels exhibit a macroporous morphology.•Porous Mg0.9Zn0.1Fe2-xMnxO4 spinels as anodes for LIBs were investigated.•Mg0.9Zn0.1FeMnO4 shows a reversible capacity of 307 mAh g-1 after 50 cycles.