AND METHOD FOR PREPARING MANGANESE OXIDE COMPOSITION

CROSS-REFERENCE:

[0001] This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/624,105 filed on January 30, 2018 and to U.S. Regular Patent Application No. 15/957,913 filed on April 20, 2018.

TECHNICAL FIELD:

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a manganese oxide composition and method for preparing manganese oxide composition. The present disclosure also relates to a rechargeable battery comprising a manganese oxide composition or a cycled composition.

BACKGROUND:

[0003] Manganese oxide compositions are inorganic compositions that may be used in industrial applications such as in (but not limited to) battery or pigment manufacturing, or that serve as precursor materials to other compositions comprising manganese. Despite their natural occurrence, manganese oxide compositions utilized in commercial applications are commonly produced by either chemical means or electrolytic means.

[0004] An example of a manganese oxide composition is manganese dioxide (Mn0 ₂ ). Like many inorganic compounds, manganese dioxide exists in different polymorphs or phases. Such polymorphs include, but are not limited to, a-MnC>2, b-Mh0 ₂ (pyrolusite), y-Mn0 ₂ (ramsdellite), and e-Mh0 ₂ (akhtenskite). Polymorphs present in electrolytically synthesized Mn0 ₂ often display a high degree of crystallinity. Electrolytically synthesized Mn0 ₂ may be referred herein as“EMD”.

[0005] Another example of a manganese oxide composition is manganese (II, III) oxide. Manganese (II, III) oxide is present in nature in the mineral hausmannite, and may be used as a precursor material in the production of ceramic materials such as, but not limited to, magnets. The various chemical formulae of manganese (II, III) oxides may be generally identified as Mn ₃ 0 ₄ . [0006] Another example of a manganese oxide composition is Mh2q3, which is present in nature in the mineral bixbyite.

[0007] Owing to the relative abundance, low toxicity, and low cost of manganese dioxide, manganese dioxide is commonly used in the production of alkaline zinc-ion batteries (e.g. alkaline Zn/Mn0 ₂ batteries); alkaline Zn/Mn0 ₂ batteries themselves occupy a significant portion of the battery market share. In general, alkaline Zn/Mn0 ₂ batteries comprise a cathode (i.e., one that comprises manganese dioxide as an cathodic active material), an anode (i.e., one that comprises zinc metal as an anodic active material), and an alkaline electrolytic solution (e.g., a potassium hydroxide solution) with which both the cathode and the anode are in fluid communication.

[0008] During operation of an alkaline Zn/MnC>2 battery, zinc anodic material is oxidized, cathodic active material is reduced, and an electric current directed towards an external load is generated. Upon recharging such battery, by-products formed as a result of the reduction of manganese dioxide are oxidized to re-form manganese dioxide. Products containing manganese that are produced in a typical discharge/charge cycle of a commercial Zn/MnC>2 battery are described in Shoji et ai, Charging and discharging behaviour of zinc-manganese dioxide galvanic cells using zinc sulfate as electrolyte, J. Electroanal. Chem., 362 (1993): 153- 157.

[0009] In an alkaline Zn/MnC>2 battery, it has been observed that the alkaline electrolytic environment therein contributes, over time and over a discharge/charge cycling process, to an accumulation of by-products such as, but not limited to, Mn(OH) ₂ , Mh3q ₄ , and Mh2q3 formed on the cathode (Shen et ai, Power Sources, 2000, 87, 162). Accumulation of such by products in Zn/MnC>2 batteries may lead to undesirable consequences such as capacity fading, poor Coulombic efficiencies, or both. “Consumed” Zn/MnC>2 batteries comprising such accumulated by-products are often simply discarded or recycled, and often without further consideration to the potential commercial and/or industrial utility of the accumulated by products themselves.

SUMMARY:

[0010] According to an aspect of the invention, there is a method comprising: (a) providing a battery comprising: (i) a cathode containing a manganese oxide composition as a primary cathodic active material; (ii) an anode; (iii) an electrolytic solution in fluid communication with the anode and the cathode; and (b) cycling the battery by: (i) galvanostatically discharging the battery to a first V _ceii ; (ii) galvanostatically charging the battery to a second V _ceii ; and (iii) potentiostatically charging at the second V _ceii for a first defined period of time.

[0011] The method may have a first V _ceii between 1.0V and 1.2V. The method may have a second V _ceii between 1.8V and 2.0V.

[0012] According to another aspect of the invention, there is a method comprising: (a) providing a battery comprising: (i) a cathode containing a manganese oxide composition as a primary cathodic active material; (ii) an anode; (iii) an electrolytic solution in fluid communication with the anode and the cathode; and (b) cycling the battery by: (i) galvanostatically discharging the battery to a first V _ceii ; (ii) potentiostatically charging the battery at a second V _ceii for a first defined period of time; (iii) galvanostatically charging the battery to a third V _ceii ; and (iv) potentiostatically charging at the third V _ceii for a second defined period of time.

[0013] The method may have a first V _ceii between 1.0V and 1.2V. The method may have a second V _ceii between 1.7V and 1.8V. The method may have a third V _ceii between 1.8V and 2.0V.

[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, there is a chemical composition that is produced by a method described above. The chemical composition may be used for the manufacture of a battery.

[0015] According to another aspect of the invention, there is a chemical composition having an X-ray diffractogram pattern expressing a Bragg peak at about 26°, said peak being of greatest intensity in comparison to other expressed Bragg peaks. The chemical composition may be used for the manufacture of a battery.

[0016] The X-ray diffractogram pattern of the chemical composition may further express Bragg peaks at about 18° and about 34°. The Bragg peak at about 34° may be greater in intensity than the Bragg peak at about 18°. The X-ray diffractogram pattern of the chemical composition may further express Bragg peaks at about 36° and about 44°. The Bragg peak at about 36° may be greater in intensity than the Bragg peak at about 44°. The chemical composition may be produced by cycling Mn ₃ C>4.

[0017] The battery may be a zinc-ion battery. The battery may be a non-lithium battery. The battery may be a zinc-manganese battery. The battery may be an aqueous battery.

[0018] According to another aspect of the invention, there is a chemical composition comprising one or more chemical species produced by cycling an activated composition. The chemical composition may be used for the manufacture of a battery.

[0019] The activated composition may be produced by treating UMn ₂ C>4.

[0020] At least one of the one or more chemical species may have a chemical formula of M _x Mn _y O _z , wherein“x” is between 0.01 and 1 , wherein“y” is 2, and wherein“z” is 4. The at least one of the one or more chemical species may have a spinel crystalline structure. “M” in the chemical formula M _x Mn _y O _z may be selected from the group consisting of alkali metals and alkaline earth metals. The alkali metals may be selected from lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium. The alkali metal may be lithium.

[0021] At least one of the one or more chemical species may be ramsdellite.

[0022] The battery may be a zinc-ion battery. The battery may be a non-lithium battery. The battery may be a zinc-manganese battery. The battery may be an aqueous battery.

[0023] This summary does not necessarily describe the entire scope of all aspects of the disclosure. Other aspects, features and advantages will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:

[0024] In the accompanying drawings, which illustrate one or more embodiments:

[0025] FIGURE 1 is an exploded view of a coin cell for cycling a manganese oxide composition.

[0026] FIGURE 2 is an x-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern of a commercially available manganese oxide composition having the chemical formula Mn ₃ 0 ₄ , including a magnification of the XRD diffraction pattern between scattering angles of 23 degrees and 63 degrees.

[0027] FIGURE 3 is an XRD diffractogram of a commercially available EMD (i.e., Erachem- Comilog).

[0028] FIGURE 4 is an XRD diffractogram of a composition comprising Mh3q ₄ and Mh2q3, the composition produced by heat treating a commercially available EMD (i.e., Erachem- Comilog).

[0029] FIGURE 5(a) is a specific-capacity (mAh/g) versus cycle number plot of various batteries, each battery comprising a cathode, the cathode initially comprising a manganese oxide composition as the primary cathodic active material.

[0030] FIGURE 5(b) is a capacity (mAh) versus cycle number plot of the various batteries described in FIGURE 5(a).

[0031] FIGURE 5(c) is a specific-energy (mWh g ^_1 ) versus cycle number plot of the various batteries described in FIGURE 5(a).

[0032] FIGURE 5(d) is a voltage versus specific capacity plot of the various batteries described in FIGURE 5(a).

[0033] FIGURE 5(e) is a voltage versus specific capacity plot of a battery (see Cell ID FCB081_02 in Figure 5(a)) at specific discharge/charge cycles (e.g. 1 cycle, 55 cycles).

[0034] FIGURE 6 comprises XRD patterns of: (i) a commercially available manganese oxide composition prior to cycling; (ii) a cycled composition at the discharged state of a 10 ^th battery cycle, the cycled composition resulting from cycling the manganese oxide composition; (iii) a cycled composition at the charged state of a 10 ^th battery cycle, the cycled composition resulting from cycling the manganese oxide composition; (iv) a cycled composition at a discharged state of the 20 ^th battery cycle, the cycled composition resulting from cycling the manganese oxide composition; and (v) a cycled composition at the charged state of a 20 ^th battery cycle, the cycled composition resulting from cycling the manganese oxide composition.

[0035] FIGURE 7 comprises XRD patterns of: (i) Zn ₂ Mn ₃ 0s; (ii) a cycled composition at the discharged state of a 10 ^th battery cycle, the cycled composition resulting from cycling Mn30 ₄ ; and (iii) Zn ₄ (0H) ₆ S0 ₄ · 0.5H ₂ O.

[0036] FIGURE 8(a) contains x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectra of: (i) Mn ₃ 0 ₄ powder; and (ii) a cycled electrode after 50 discharge and charge cycles, the cycled electrode resulting from cycling an electrode initially comprising Mn ₃ 0 ₄ as an active material.

[0037] FIGURE 8(b) is a high resolution magnification of a portion of the XPS spectrum of the cycled electrode in FIGURE 8(a), the high resolution magnification indicating the formation of a Zn _x Mn _y O _z species as a result of subjecting the electrode initially comprising Mn ₃ 0 ₄ to discharge and charge cycling.

[0038] FIGURE 9(a) is a comparison of the specific capacities (after certain numbers of cycling) of: (i) a battery initially comprising an activated composition resulting from a treatment of LiMn20 ₄ ; versus (ii) a battery initially comprising LiMn20 ₄ that has not been treated.

[0039] FIGURE 9(b) is a representation of the charging/discharging curves, during the 228 ^th and 229 ^th cycles of a prescribed discharge/charge process, of the battery initially comprising an activated composition resulting from a chemical treatment of LiMn20 ₄ as described in Figure 9(a).

[0040] FIGURE 9(c) comprises XRD patterns of LiMn ₂ 0 ₄ that has not been treated and an activated composition resulting from a treatment of LiMn20 ₄ .

[0041] Where applicable on XRD diffractograms, Miller indices have been included.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION:

[0042] Directional terms such as “top,”“bottom,”“upwards,” “downwards,” “vertically,” and “laterally” are used in the following description for the purpose of providing relative reference only, and are not intended to suggest any limitations on how any article is to be positioned during use, or to be mounted in an assembly or relative to an environment. The use of the word“a” or“an” when used herein in conjunction with the term“comprising” may mean“one,” but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,”“at least one” and“one or more than one.” Any element expressed in the singular form also encompasses its plural form. Any element expressed in the plural form also encompasses its singular form. The term“plurality” as used herein means more than one; for example, the term“plurality includes two or more, three or more, four or more, or the like.

[0043] In this disclosure, the terms“comprising”,“having”,“including”, and“containing”, and grammatical variations thereof, are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, un recited elements and/or method steps. The term“consisting essentially of” when used herein in connection with a composition, use or method, denotes that additional elements, method steps or both additional elements and method steps may be present, but that these additions do not materially affect the manner in which the recited composition, method, or use functions. The term“consisting of” when used herein in connection with a composition, use, or method, excludes the presence of additional elements and/or method steps.

[0044] In this disclosure, the term“about”, when followed by a recited value, means within plus or minus 5% of that recited value. Such term contemplates, for example in the case of Braggs Peaks, values within ±0.1°, ±0.2°, ±0.3°, ±0.4°, ±0.5° of a recited value.

[0045] In this disclosure, the term“activated composition” refers to a composition that results from a treatment (e.g., electrochemical, chemical, thermal, combination thereof) of an M _x Mn _y O _z composition.

[0046] In this disclosure, the term“active material” refers to a cathodic or anodic chemically reactive material that participates in a charge or discharge reaction.

[0047] In this disclosure, the term“battery” contemplates an electrochemical cell or two or more electrochemical cells connected together in series, in parallel, or a combination thereof. As used herein, the term “cell” contemplates an electrochemical cell or two or more electrochemical cells connected together in series, in parallel, or a combination thereof. As used herein, the terms“battery” and“cell” are interchangeable.

[0048] In this disclosure, a“C rate” refers to a rate at which a battery is discharged. For example, a 2C rate would discharge an entire electrode in 30 minutes, a 1C rate would discharge an entire electrode in 1 hour, a C/2 rate would discharge an entire electrode in 2 hours, and a C/10 rate would discharge an entire electrode in 10 hours.

[0049] In this disclosure, the term“cut-off capacity” or“capacity cut-off” refers to a coulometric capacity at which a discharge step of a battery is stopped. [0050] In this disclosure, the term“cut-off voltage” or“voltage cut-off” refers to a voltage of a battery at which: (i) a discharge step is stopped; or (ii) a charge step is stopped.

[0051] In this disclosure, the term “cycled composition” means a manganese oxide composition that has been subjected to a discharge reaction, a charge reaction, a combination thereof, or a plurality thereof.

[0052] In this disclosure, the term“cycled electrode” means an electrode initially comprising a manganese oxide composition acting as an active material, the electrode having been subjected to a discharge reaction, a charge reaction, a combination thereof, or a plurality thereof.

[0053] In this disclosure, the term“discharged state” (of a battery) means a state of a battery where at least a portion of the cathodic manganese oxide composition of the battery has participated in a discharge reaction.

[0054] In this disclosure, the term“lithium battery” means a primary battery that have lithium as an anode.

[0055] In this disclosure, the term“M _x Mn _y O _z composition” refers to a composition having a chemical formula of M _x Mn _y O _z , wherein“M” is a metal other than Mn, wherein“x” and“y” and “z” are numbers, wherein“y” and“z” are greater than 0, and wherein“x” is 0 or greater. For example,“M” may be an alkali metal or an alkaline earth metal. Examples of alkali metals include Li, Na, K, and Rb. Examples of alkaline earth metals include Be, Mg, Ca, and Sr. For example,“M” may also be a transition metal. Examples of transition metals include Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Tc, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ag, and Cd. For example,“M” may be selected from the group consisting of Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn. For example,“M” may be selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, and Zn. A non-limiting example of an M _x Mn _y O _z composition is a composition having the formula Mn _a O _b , wherein“a” and“b” are greater than 0.

[0056] In this disclosure, the term “manganese oxide composition” includes an activated composition and an M _x Mn _y O _z composition.

[0057] In this disclosure, the term“un-cycled state” (of a battery) means a state of a battery where a cathodic M _x Mn _y O _z composition of the battery has not undergone a charge reaction or a discharge reaction.

[0058] The present disclosure relates to a manganese oxide composition and method for preparing manganese oxide composition. The present disclosure also relates to a rechargeable battery comprising a manganese oxide composition or a cycled composition. The rechargeable battery may be a zinc-ion battery.

[0059] The teachings provided in this disclosure are illustrated by primarily using the examples disclosed herein. Nonetheless, a skilled person would understand that this disclosure is not limited to those examples, and would understand that the teachings herein may be applied to manganese oxide compositions generally. Different forms of manganese oxide compositions such as, but not limited to, chemically synthesized oxides, manganese oxide compositions that are doped, and manganese oxide compositions that are not doped, may be activated, cycled, or generally prepared in a manner that is the same as or similar to any teaching disclosed herein.

Manganese Oxide Powder

[0060] Manganese oxide compositions may be of any suitable physical form (e.g., powder, sheet, thin film, films produced by physical or chemical vapour deposition). Manganese oxide compositions in powder form may be referred to herein as “manganese oxide powder”. Manganese oxide powder may be a powder of an M _x Mn _y O _z composition, a powder of an activated composition, or a combination thereof.

[0061] In some embodiments, an activated composition (e.g. such as one in powder form) is created by chemically treating an M _x Mn _y O _z composition (e.g. such as one in powder form). Such activated composition may be partially de-metallized. Such activated composition may be fully de-metallized. In chemically treating an M _x Mn _y O _z composition, the M _x Mn _y O _z composition is mixed in a strong acid solution at elevated temperatures for a pre-defined period of time, after which the resulting product is washed (for example with deionized water). The strong acid may be any suitable strong acid. Examples of strong acids include, but are not limited to, HCI, H2SO4, HNO ₃ , HCIO ₃ , HCIO4. In some embodiments, the strong acid is H2SO4. [0062] The concentration of the strong acid may be any suitable concentration. For example, the concentration of the strong acid can be 1.0M, 1.5M, 2.0M, 2.5M, 3.0M, 3.5M, or 4.0M. For example, the strong acid solution can be a 2.5M sulfuric acid solution.

[0063] Elevated temperatures include, but are not limited to, any temperature between about 80°C and about 120°C, about 90°C and about 110°C, about 95°C and about 105°C. For example, the elevated temperature can be 95°C.

[0064] The pre-defined period of time may be any suitable time period for drying. For example, the pre-defined period of time may be 2 hours or longer, 3 hours or longer, 4 hours or longer. For example, the pre-defined period of time can be 2.5 hours.

[0065] The resulting product is then dried at elevated temperatures for a pre-defined period of time. Elevated temperatures include, but are not limited to, any temperature between about 80°C and about 120°C, about 90°C and about 110°C, about 95°C and about 105°C. For example, the elevated temperature can be 100°C. The pre-defined period of time may be any suitable time period for drying. For example, the pre-defined period of time may be 2 hours or longer, 3 hours or longer, 4 hours or longer. In an example, the pre-defined period of time is 12 hours.

[0066] In other embodiments, an activated composition (e.g. such as one in powder form) is created by electrochemically treating an M _x Mn _y O _z composition (e.g. such as one in powder form).

[0067] In other embodiments, an M _x Mn _y O _z composition does not undergo chemical treatment, electrochemical treatment, or any other treatment.

Manganese Oxide Electrode

[0068] Manganese oxide powder may be combined with a current collector to form an electrode. Manganese oxide compositions in other physical forms (e.g. sheet, thin films, films produced by physical or chemical vapour deposition) may also be combined with a current collector to form an electrode. Such an electrode may be referred to as a“manganese oxide electrode” herein.

[0069] According to an embodiment of preparing a manganese oxide electrode, manganese oxide powder is mixed with carbon black ( e.g . Vulcan ^® XC72R) and added to a 7 wt% polyvinylidene fluoride (e.g. EQ-Lib-PVDF, MTI Corporation) and n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (e.g. EQ-Lib-NMP, MTI Corporation) based solution, to form a mixture. The mixture is spread onto a carbon paper current collector substrate (e.g. TGP-H-12 carbon paper). The mixture is dried on the substrate at about 150°C for about 2 hours. Upon drying, a manganese oxide electrode is formed.

[0070] The ratio of manganese oxide powder to carbon black to PVDF may vary. In an example, the ratio is about 7:2:1.

[0071] The current collector substrate can be a substantially 2-D structure or a 3-D structure. The current collector substrate can have different degrees of porosity (e.g., 5% to 70%) and tortuosity. In some embodiments, the current collector substrate can be a metal, an alloy, or a metal oxide. Examples of suitable metals or alloys include, but are not limited to, nickel, stainless steel, titanium, tungsten, and nickel-based alloys. In other embodiments, other carbon supports for the current collector substrate can be used. Such carbon supports include, but are not limited to, carbon nanotube, modified carbon black, activated carbon. In other embodiments, other current collector substrates can be used. Such substrates include, but are not limited to, 3-D structured carbon, porous carbons and nickel metal meshes.

[0072] In other embodiments, polyvinylidene fluoride solutions comprising other wt% of polyvinylidene fluoride can be used. For example, such solutions can contain 1-15 wt% of polyvinylidene fluoride.

[0073] In other embodiments, other drying temperatures can be used. For example, the drying temperature can be any temperature between about 80°C and about 180°C. For example, the drying temperature can be between about 80°C and about 180°C, about 80°C and about 170°C, about 80°C and about 160°C, about 90°C and about 150°C, about 90°C and about 160°C, about 100°C and about 150°C. In other embodiments, other drying times can be used. For example, the drying time can be any time between about 2 hours and about 18 hours. For example, the drying time can be about 5 hours and about 18 hours, about 5 hours and about 14 hours, about 5 hours and about 10 hours, and about 5 hours and about 8 hours.

[0074] In other embodiments, the ratio of manganese oxide powder to carbon black to PVDF may vary.

[0075] In other embodiments, other binders and binder solvents can be used. For example, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) crosslinked with glutaraldehyde can be used as a binder in the form of water solution. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that PVA increases the hydrophilicity of an electrode, thereby improving battery performance. In another example, styrene-butadiene, which is a rubber based binder, can be used. Other binders include, but are not limited to, M-class rubbers and Teflon.

[0076] In other embodiments, additives such as, but not limited to, sulfates, hydroxides, alkali metal salts (e.g. salts that dissociate to form Li ⁺ , Na ⁺ , or K ⁺ ), alkaline-earth metal salts {e.g. salts that dissociate to form Mg ²⁺ , or Ca ²⁺ ), transition metal salts, oxides, and hydrates thereof are added during the formation of the electrode. Examples of alkaline-earth metal salts and sulfates include, but are not limited to, BaS0 ₄ , CaS0 ₄ , MnS0 ₄ , and SrS0 ₄ . Examples of transition metal salts include, but are not limited to, NiS0 ₄ and CuS0 ₄ . Examples of oxides include, but are not limited to, B12O3 and T1O2. In other embodiments, additives such as, but not limited to, copper-based and bismuth-based additives are added in the formation of the electrode. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that such additives may improve the cyclability of the battery.

[0077] The manganese oxide electrode may be incorporated into the manufacture of a battery. The manganese oxide electrode may be a component of a battery. The manganese oxide electrode may be adapted for use in a battery. The manganese oxide electrode may be used in a battery. In some examples, the battery is a zinc-ion battery. In some examples, the battery is a non-lithium battery. In some examples, the battery is a zinc-manganese battery. In some examples, the battery is an aqueous battery.

Cycling of Manganese Oxide Electrode

[0078] The manganese oxide composition of a manganese oxide electrode may be cycled in- situ or ex situ of a battery. Below are examples of how a cycled electrode may be prepared.

[0079] Referring to FIGURE 1 , a coin cell 100 is provided. The coin cell 100 comprises an outer casing 1 10 and a lid 170 that are made of stainless steel (e.g. CR2032 manufactured from MTI Corporation). The outer casing 110 has a base and a sidewall circumscribing the base. The sidewall and the base define an inner cavity 112. The coin cell 100 also comprises a gasket 180 (e.g. O-ring) made of a suitable elastomeric material (e.g. polypropylene), a spacer 150, and a washer 160. The coin cell also comprises a cathode 120, an anode 140, and a separator 130 in between the cathode 120 and the anode 140, all in fluid contact with (e.g., immersed in) an electrolytic solution. In other examples, other suitable cells may be used.

[0080] The cathode 120 (e.g. a manganese oxide electrode that has not be subjected to cycling) is disposed within the inner cavity 112 of the coin cell 100. A near-neutral pH (i.e., the pH is about neutral) electrolytic solution is added into the inner cavity 112 of the coin cell 100 until the cathode 120 is in fluid contact with (e.g. immersed in) the electrolytic solution.

[0081] As contemplated herein, the electrolytic solution comprises at least a first electrolytic species. An example of a first electrolytic species is zinc sulfate. Said species may be present in the electrolytic solution in any suitable concentration. Said species may be hydrated or non-hydrated. Non-limiting examples of suitable concentrations include those ranging from about 0.5M to saturation, about 0.5M to about 2.5M, about 1.0M to saturation, about 1.0M to about 2.5M, about 1.5M to saturation, and about 1.5M to about 2.5M; for example, zinc sulfate heptahydrate can be present in solution at a concentration of about 0.5M, 0.6M, 0.7M, 0.8M, 0.9M, 1.0M, 1.1 M, 1.2M, 1.3M, 1.4M, 1.5M, 1.6M, 1.7M, 1.8M, 1.9M, 2.0M, 2.1 M, 2.2M, 2.3M, 2.4M, 2.5M. In an example, the first electrolytic species is 2.0M of ZnS0 _4* 7H ₂ 0 (e.g. 98% purity from Anachemia Canada Co.).

[0082] The first electrolytic species may also be a zinc-based salt such as, but is not limited to, zinc nitrate, zinc chloride, or a combination thereof dissolved in the electrolytic solution at a suitable concentration. The first electrolytic species may also be other about pH neutral electrolytes. Examples of such other near-neutral pH electrolytes include, but are not limited to, those yielding cation species like Li ⁺ , Na ⁺ and Mg ²⁺ upon disassociation.

[0083] The electrolytic solution may further comprise a second electrolytic species. An example of second electrolytic species is manganese sulfate. Said species may be present in the electrolytic solution in any suitable concentration. Said species may be hydrated or non- hydrated. Suitable second electrolytic species concentrations include those ranging from about 0.1 M to about 0.2M or saturation; for example, manganese sulfate monohydrate can be present in the electrolytic solution at a concentration of about 0.10M, 0.11 M, 0.12M, 0.13M 0.14M, 0.15M, 0.16M, 0.17M, 0.18M, 0.19M, 0.20M, or saturation. In an example, the second electrolytic species is about 0.1 M of MnSCVhhO ( e.g . 99% purity from Anachemia Canada Co.). In other embodiments, the electrolytic solution comprises another suitable manganese containing compound that has the same or substantially similar function as manganese sulfate monohydrate such as, but not limited to, manganese nitrate.

[0084] The electrolytic solution may further comprise additives such as, but not limited to, sulfates, hydroxides, alkali metal salts (e.g. salts that dissociate to form Li ⁺ , Na ⁺ , or K ⁺ ), alkaline-earth metal salts (e.g. salts tha dissociate to form Mg ²⁺ , or Ca ²⁺ ), transition metal salts (e.g. copper-based or bismuth-based), oxides, and hydrates thereof can also be added during the formation of the electrode. Examples of alkaline-earth metal salts and sulfates include, but are not limited to, BaS0 ₄ , CaS0 ₄ , MnS0 ₄ , and SrS0 ₄ . Examples of transition metal salts include, but are not limited to, NiS0 ₄ and CuS0 ₄ . Examples of oxides include, but are not limited to, B12O3 and T1O2. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that such additives may improve the cyclability of the battery.

[0085] The separator 130 is also disposed in the coin cell 100. The separator 130 comprises a first layer and a second layer. As contemplated in this first embodiment, each of the first layer and second layer consists essentially of a sub-layer of cellophane film and a sub-layer of nonwoven polyester fabric (e.g. NWP150 manufactured by Neptco Inc.) coupled thereto. The first layer and second layer are arranged such that the nonwoven polyester fabric sub-layers thereof are adjacent to one another. The separator 130 is disposed on top of the cathode 120 such that the cathode 120 is adjacent to the cellophane film sub-layer of the first layer. The separator 130 is in fluid contact with (e.g., immersed in) the electrolytic solution.

[0086] The anode 140 comprises a zinc foil (e.g. Dexmet S031050) and is disposed in the coin cell 100 such that the anode 140 is adjacent to the cellophane film sub-layer of the second layer of the separator 130. Electrolytic solution is added to the coin cell 100 until the anode 140 is in fluid communication therewith.

[0087] The spacer 150 is placed adjacent to the anode 140, the washer 160 is placed adjacent to the spacer 150, and the gasket 180 is placed adjacent to the washer 160. The spacer 150 and the washer 160 are made of stainless steel. The outer lid 170 is placed over the gasket 180, and the outer lid 170 and outer casing 110 are crimped together to form the coin cell 100.

[0088] According to a first embodiment of preparing (e.g. cycling) a manganese oxide composition of a manganese oxide electrode in-situ of a battery, the coin cell is galvanostatically discharged down to a first V _ce ii, potentiostatically charged at a second V _ceii for a first defined period of time, galvanostatically charged to a third V _ceii , and potentiostatically charged at the third V _ce ii for a second defined period of time. The first V _ce ii may be selected from any voltage between 1.0V and 1.2V. The second V _ce ii may be selected from any voltage between 1.7V and 1.8V. The third V _ceii may be selected from any voltage between 1.8V and 2.0V. The first defined period of time may be a length of time between 30 minutes and 6 hours. For example the first defined period of time may be 0.5 hours, 1 hour, 1.5 hours, 2 hours, 2.5 hours, 3.0 hours. The second defined period of time may be a length of time between 30 minutes and 6 hours. For example the second defined period of time may be 0.5 hours, 1 hour, 1.5 hours, 2 hours, 2.5 hours, 3.0 hours. As contemplated in this first embodiment, the coin cell 200 is galvanostatically discharged at a C/2 rate down to 1.1 V _ceii , potentiostatically charged at 1.75 V _ceii for two hours, galvanostatically charged at a C/2 rate to 1.9 Vceii, and potentiostatically charged at 1.9 Vceii for two hours. The discharging and charging cycle can be repeated. In other embodiments, the manganese oxide composition of the manganese oxide electrode (or cycled composition of the cycled electrode) is at least in part subjected to galvanostatic charge at a 100mA/g rate to 1.9 V _ceii after discharge.

[0089] According to a second embodiment of preparing a cycled electrode in-situ of a battery, the coin cell is galvanostatically discharged down to a first V _ceii , galvanostatically charged to a second V _ceii , and potentiostatically charged at the second V _ceii for a first defined period of time. The first V _ceii may be selected from any voltage between 1.0V and 1.2V. The second V _ceii may be selected from any voltage between 1.8V and 2.0V. The first defined time period may be any time period between about 1 minute and 60 minutes, about 5 minutes and 50 minutes, about 10 minutes and 40 minutes. As contemplated in this second embodiment, the coin cell 200 is galvanostatically discharged at a C/2 rate down to 1.1 V _ceii , galvanostatically charged at a C/2 rate (e.g. 100 mA/g) to 1.9 V _ceii , and potentiostatically charged at 1.9 V _ceii for 10 minutes. The discharging and charging cycle can be repeated.

[0090] In other embodiments, the manganese oxide composition of a manganese oxide electrode may be cycled ex-situ of a battery, and in a manner similar to in situ cycling. An ex- situ cycled electrode may be incorporated as a component into a battery. The battery may be a zinc-ion battery.

Example 1: Mh3q4

[0091] An example of a manganese oxide composition is a Mn ₃ 0 ₄ composition.

[0092] The Mn ₃ 0 ₄ composition may be commercially available. An example of a commercially available Mn ₃ 0 ₄ composition is CMO-CM104B -TOSOH. For reference, an XRD diffractogram of CMO-CM104B -TOSOH is provided at FIGURE 2.

[0093] The Mn ₃ 0 ₄ composition may not be commercially available. For example, an Mn ₃ 0 ₄ composition may be produced by heating a commercially available EMD (e.g. Erachem- Comilog commercial EMD, an XRD diffractogram of which is provided at FIGURE 3) in an oven at a temperature between about 900°C and about 960°C (e.g. 900°C) for a time period between about 12 hours and about 24 hours (e.g. 12 hours). An XRD diffractogram of the produced Mn ₃ 0 ₄ species (along with a residual impurity of Mn ₂ 0 ₃ ) is provided at FIGURE 4. Residual impurities remaining in the production of the Mn ₃ 0 ₄ composition may be removed by additional heat treatment.

[0094] In this example, four different batteries are prepared. Three of the batteries each comprise an electrode, the electrode comprising Mn ₃ 0 ₄ as a cathodic active material. One of the batteries comprises an EMD electrode prepared according to U.S. App. No. 62/583,952, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein. Details of each of the prepared batteries are provided in Table 1 as follows:

Table 1

[0095] Referring to FIGURE 5(a), the initial specific capacities of the batteries in Table 1 prior to cycling are low (i.e. about 0 mAh/g). Specific capacity of each of the batteries described in Table 1 increases with cycling, and specific capacity reaches a pinnacle at about 50 to about 60 cycles.

[0096] Referring to FIGURE 5(b), the capacities of the batteries in Table 1 increase with cycling, and specific capacities reach a pinnacle at about 50 to about 60 cycles.

[0097] Referring to FIGURE 5(c), the specific energy of the batteries in Table 1 increases with cycling, and specific capacity reaches a pinnacle at about 50 to about 60 cycles.

[0098] Referring to FIGURE 5(d), the voltage/capacity profiles of the batteries in Table 1 during the 30th cycle are provided.

[0099] Referring to FIGURE 5(e), the voltage/capacity profile of Cell ID FCB081_02 at its 1 ^st cycle, 14 ^th cycle, 28 ^th cycle, 42 ^nd cycle, and 55 ^th cycle are provided. As shown, specific capacity of the battery increases with progressive cycling.

[00100] Mh3q ₄ (before cycling), and electrodes comprising a cycled composition resulting from subjecting Mn30 ₄ to approximately 10 or approximately 20 battery cycles are characterized and analyzed using a X-ray diffraction (XRD) method known in the art. In this example, analysis is performed using a Bruker D2 Phaser. XRD diffractogram of Mn ₃ 0 ₄ that has not undergone cycling (see Figure 1) reveals the presence of two tetragonal unit cells of the hausmannite Mn ₃ 0 ₄ phase. The dominant tetragonal phase has unit cell parameters of a = 5.75 A and c = 9.42 A (PDF 00-001-1127). The presence of a small portion of hausmannite's tetragonal phase with the cell parameters of a = 8.16 A and c = 9.44 A (PDF 03-065-2776) is also observed (Figure 2 - magnified portion of XRD pattern).

[00101] Figure 6 shows the XRD patterns of: (i) Mn ₃ 0 ₄ that has not undergone cycling; (ii) a cycled composition resulting from subjecting Mh3q ₄ to 10 cycles; and (iii) a cycled composition resulting from subjecting Mn ₃ 0 ₄ to 20 cycles. Per Figure 6, it can be seen that the cycling process leads to an appearance of several“new” Bragg peaks, and also appears to render some existing Bragg peaks reflections more pronounced. The presence of the Mn ₃ 0 ₄ phase, albeit with a smaller tetragonal unit cell size (/.e., PDF 00-001-1127) is maintained. New reflections and pronounced reflections may be divided into two groups: (i) irreversible peaks, which means once they appear, they will remain present in both the charge and discharge states; and (ii) reversible peaks which are present only in the discharge state.

[00102] The irreversible peaks resulting from the cycling of Mn ₃ 0 ₄ are listed in Table 2. In general, these peaks may be assigned to a PDF 03-065-2776 pattern, which suggests that an Mn ₃ 0 ₄ composition with a tetragonal unit cell that is enlarged in the a axis direction is produced and that, during the cycling process, the proportion of Mn ₃ 0 ₄ phase having a larger unit cell (PDF 03-065-2776) increases. Such characteristics are shown by the strong characteristic Bragg peak of this phase (PDF 03-065-2776) at 2Q = 26.0° (see Figure 6). This 26.0° Bragg peak is present for all cycled compositions resulting from cycling Mn ₃ 0 ₄ and is more dominant than the Bragg peak of Mn ₃ 0 ₄ (that has not been subjected to cycling) at 2Q = 36° which is indicative of a smaller tetragonal unit cell (PDF 00-001-1127). In this example, the presence of zinc sulfate, which is believed to originate from ZnS0 ₄ electrolyte used in the battery, is also observed.

Table 2

[00103] In some examples, other characteristics of cycled compositions include a Bragg peak at 34° that is greater in intensity than a Bragg peak at 18°. In some examples, other characteristics of cycled compositions include a Bragg peak at 36° is greater in intensity than a Bragg peak at 44°.

[00104] Figure 7 shows the XRD patterns of: (i) the discharged state of a cycled composition, the cycled composition resulting from cycling Mn ₃ 0 ₄ for 10 cycles; (ii) Z^MnaOs; and (iii) Zn ₄ (OH) ₆ SO _4* 0.5H ₂ O. The reversible Bragg peak at 2Q of 32.51° may be assignable to Zn ₂ Mn3C>8 or Zn ₄ (OH) ₆ SO _4* 0.5H ₂ O (JCPDS# 44-0674). For example, it has been shown that Zn ₄ (OH) ₆ SO _4* 0.5H ₂ O can be reversibly formed in similar systems (see Lee et ai, ChemSusChem 2016, 9, 2948).

[00105] The presence of Z^MnaOs indicates that intercalation/deintercalation of Zn into and out of cycled composition resulting from Mn ₃ 0 ₄ is possible. The position of Bragg peaks further suggests that the interplanar spacing of the atomic planes of the cycled composition change during discharge and charge states (see Table 3). For example, it is observed that d-spacing of planes in Mn ₃ 0 ₄ or cycled composition thereof shrinks after discharge. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that a composition such as Zh _a Mh2q ₄ , wherein a < 1 , is formed during cycling; the direction of change in the d-spacing of such formed Zn _a Mn20 ₄ is the same as that of ZnMn2<D ₄ observed in the literature. It is also observed that the difference in d-spacing between charge and discharge increases with cycling, which suggests that during these cycling steps, more Zn is introduced into the manganese oxide composition or cycled composition thereof as the cycling proceeds.

Table 3:

[00106] MrbC (before cycling) and a cycled composition resulting from subjecting Mh3q ₄ to 50 cycles, in a zinc salt electrolytic solution, are characterized and analyzed using X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) (Kratos Analytical, Axis Ultra DLD Model). XPS survey spectrum of Mn ₃ 0 ₄ prior to cycling (see Figure 8(a) - solid line) indicates the presence of Mn and O in the chemical composition of the Mn ₃ 0 ₄ . XPS survey spectrum of a cycled composition resulting from subjecting Mn ₃ 0 ₄ to 50 cycles (see Figure 8(b) - stippled line) indicates the presence of Zn, Mn, and O in the chemical composition of the cycled composition.

[00107] A high resolution spectrum of the region identified as“Zn 2p“ in FIGURE 8(a) is provided in FIGURE 8(b), and indicates the presence of Zn in the chemical composition of the cycled composition. It is hypothesized that a composition such as, but not limited to, Zn ₂ Mn ₃ 0 ₈ , ZnMn ₂ 0 ₄ , or Zn (0H) ₆ S0 ₄ · 5H ₂ 0 may be formed in the charged state as a result of subjecting Mn ₃ 0 ₄ to a battery discharge and charge cycling process. It is also hypothesized that intercalation and deintercalation of Zn ²⁺ into and out of the cathodic active material may be responsible for the overall capacity of a battery. A cycling process leading to an increase of initial capacity of a battery may lead to a transformation of Mn ₃ 0 ₄ with smaller tetragonal unit cell size to Mn ₃ 0 ₄ with a larger tetragonal unit cell.

Example 2: LiMriiOd

[00108] An example of a manganese oxide composition is chemically treated LiMn ₂ 0 ₄ .

[00109] Chemically treated LiMn ₂ 0 ₄ is prepared according to the process described above.

[00110] Batteries comprising chemically treating LiMn ₂ 0 ₄ as an active material are prepared according to the process described above. Details of each of the prepared batteries are provided in Table 4 as follows:

Table 4

[00111] Referring to Figure 9(a), the specific capacity of: (i) a battery initially comprising chemically treated LiMn ₂ 0 ₄ , the batteries having been subjected to cycling (referred to as “Battery A” in this example); and (ii) a battery initially comprising LiMn ₂ 0 ₄ , that had not been treated, the batteries having been subjected to cycling (referred to as“Battery B: in this example); are compared. As shown in Figure 9(a), the specific capacity of Battery A remains generally constant at about 150 mAh/g over about 230 cycles. The specific capacity of Battery B, however, is not high. [00112] Referring to Figure 9(b), the charging/discharging curves during 228th and 229th discharge/charge cycles of a Battery A are provided. The profiles are substantially similar even after subjecting Battery A to multiple discharge/charge cycles.

[00113] Referring to Figure 9(c), the XRD patterns of ϋMh2q ₄ prior to chemical treatment and UMn ₂ C>4 after chemical treatment are provided. After treatment, a ramsdellite phase of Mn0 ₂ and a ϋ _d Mh ₂ 0 ₄ phase (e.g. having a spinel crystalline structure) are introduced into the activated composition resulting from chemically treating LiMn ₂ 0 ₄ , where d has an expected value of: 0.01 < d < 1. For example, d may be between 0.1 < d < 1 , 0.2 < d < 1 , 0.25 < d < 1. In other examples, pure ramsdellite may be achievable with amendments to the chemical treatment process of LiMn ₂ 0 ₄ .

GENERAL:

[00114] It is contemplated that any part of any aspect or embodiment discussed in this specification may be implemented or combined with any part of any other aspect or embodiment discussed in this specification. While particular embodiments have been described in the foregoing, it is to be understood that other embodiments are possible and are intended to be included herein. It will be clear to any person skilled in the art that modification of and adjustment to the foregoing embodiments, not shown, is possible.

[00115] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In addition, any citation of references herein is not to be construed nor considered as an admission that such references are prior art to the present invention.

[00116] The scope of the claims should not be limited by the example embodiments set forth herein, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.