Origin of the High Capacity Manganese-Based Oxyfluoride Electrodes for Rechargeable Batteries

In the quest for high energy density rechargeable batteries, conversion-type cathode materials stand out with their appealing multielectron transfer properties. However, they undergo a series of complex phase transitions upon initial cycling as opposed to conventional intercalation-type materials. Within this category, iron-based mixed-anion solid solutions (FeO_xF_2-x) have captured the most attention of the battery community, owing to their high theoretical capacity and moderate cyclability. In the meantime, it was recently demonstrated, via a series of electrochemical cycling experiments, the in situ preparation of manganese-based mixed-anion cathode materials based on decomposition of electrolyte salt LiPF₆ in the presence of MnO. To take a step forward, we herein report a routine protocol to prepare 220 mAh g^-1-class composite cathodes. In addition, we provide a comprehensive understanding of the in situ fluorination and locally reversible phase transitions using complementary analytical techniques. The charged phase, with an average Mn oxidation state of ca. +2.8, consists of a highly disordered O-rich cubic-spinel-like core and an F-rich amorphous shell. Upon discharge, lithiation induces further phase transition, forming LiF, MnO, and a lithiated rocksalt-like phase. This work, which we also extended to the iron-based system, offers insights into modification of chemical and electronic properties of electrode materials by in situ fluorination.