Optimizing Li/MnO2 batteries: Relating manganese dioxide properties and electrochemical performance

The electrochemical performance of heat treated manganese dioxide in lithium batteries is for the first time directly related to the numerous physical properties which characterize this battery material. The effect of discharge rate on these relationships is also investigated. Three of these properties are considered, revealing that at low discharge rates heat treated manganese dioxide is optimized by a pyrolusite fraction of similar to 0.65, high Mn(IV), and low surface area; while at high discharge rates slightly higher pyrolusite content (similar to 0.73), high Mn(IV), and surface area around 44 m(2) g(-1) are most beneficial. The relationships described here will assist in directing the synthesis and preparative treatment of manganese dioxides for higher performing lithium batteries. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.