Electrochemical characteristics of manganese oxide/carbon composite as a cathode material for Li/MnO2 secondary batteries

Electrolytic manganese dioxide (EMD) recovered from a simulated leaching solution of spent alkaline batteries using a modified cyclone cell was tested as a cathode material for Li secondary batteries. An EMD/C(Super P) composite heat-treated at 400 C after high-energy mechanical milling showed better electrochemical performance than that of pure EMD in terms of cyclability and capacity fading. The electrochemical characteristics of the EMD/C(Super P) composite were investigated by various analytical techniques. The irreversible capacity during the first cycle was mainly due to the formation of a Li2MnO3 phase. The carbon composite also retarded the dissolution of Mn during cycling. 21 refs.