Synthesis and electrochemical characterization of Si-Mn alloy anode materials for high energy lithium secondary batteries

The Si-Mn alloys as anode active materials were prepared by mechanical milling and calcination at three different temperatures like 600, 700, and 800 °C. The alloys were characterized by X-ray diffraction, field emission-scanning elr e ectron microscopy, field emission-transmission electron microscopy, and electrochemical cycling within a range of 2.5 V to 0.01 V versus Li/Li ⁺. We found that the Si-Mn alloy calcined at 800 IP C exhibits e ed (i) an enhanced reversible capacity during the intercalation and de-intercalation process and (ii) a reduction in fading capacity characteristic due to modified structural and interfacial properties. Increasing the calcination temperature could improve the electrochemical performance of these materials, especially at 800 °C. Hence this alloy possibly suited to apply for lithium rechargeable batteries. The reversible capability after fourth cycling increases in the range of 95% to nearly 99% coulombic efficiency during the following intercalation and de-intercalation process. The Si-Mn alloy has the potential to be suitable for use as an anode active material in lithium rechargeable batteries.