Novel MnO–Graphite Dual-Ion Battery and New Insights into Its Reaction Mechanism during Initial Cycle by Operando Techniques

Dual-ion battery complements lithium-ion batteries in terms of the use of inexpensive materials and ease to construct cells. To improve the safety and energy density of dual-ion battery, in this paper, a novel MnO–graphite dual-ion battery is reported for the first time. Microporous MnO materials are used as anode, which exhibits a low conversion potential and a low voltage hysteresis. The MnO–graphite dual-ion battery can deliver a capacity of 104 mAh g–1 at 0.5C and exhibits good rate performances and cycling stability (capacity retention >93% after 300 cycles). A mechanism is proposed to explain the irreversibility in capacity during the initial cycle by using operando X-ray diffraction in combination with online electrochemical mass spectrometry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.