Structural and lithium intercalation studies of Mn(0.5-x)CaxTi2(PO4)3 phases (0 < x < 0.50)
Résumé
Materials from the Mn(0.5−x)CaxTi2(PO4)3 (0≤x≤0.50) solid solution were obtained by solid-state reaction in air at 1000 °C. Selected compositions were investigated by powder X-ray diffraction analysis, 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and electrochemical lithium intercalation. The structure of all samples determined by Rietveld analysis is of the Nasicon type with the R3̄ space group. Mn2+/Ca2+ ions occupy only the M1 sites in the Ti2(PO4)3 framework. The divalent cations are ordered in one of two M1 sites, except for the Mn0.50Ti2(PO4)3 phase, where a small departure from the ideal order is observed by XRD and 31P MAS NMR. The electrochemical behaviour of Mn0.50Ti2(PO4)3 and Mn(0.5−x)CaxTi2(PO4)3 phases was characterised in Li cells. Two Li ions can be inserted without altering the Ti2(PO4)3 framework. In the 0≤y≤2 range, the OCV curves of Li//LiyMn0.50Ti2(PO4)3 cells show two main potential plateaus at 2.90 and 2.50-2.30 V. Comparison between the OCV curves of Li//Li(1+y)Ti2(PO4)3 and Li//LiyMn0.50Ti2(PO4)3 shows that the intercalation occurs first in the unoccupied M1 site of Mn0.50Ti2(PO4)3 at 2.90 V and then, for compositions y>0.50, at the M2 site (2.50-2.30 V voltage range). The effect of calcium substitution in Mn0.50Ti2(PO4)3 on the lithium intercalation is also discussed from a structural and kinetic viewpoint. In all systems, the lithium intercalation is associated with a redistribution of the divalent cation over all M1 sites. In the case of Mn0.50Ti2(PO4)3, the stability of Mn2+ either in an octahedral or tetrahedral environment facilitates cationic migration.