Low-Cost Mn-Based Cathode Materials for Lithium-Ion Batteries

Due to a high energy density and satisfactory longevity, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been widely applied in the fields of consumer electronics and electric vehicles. Cathodes, an essential part of LIBs, greatly determine the energy density and total cost of LIBs. In order to make LIBs more competitive, it is urgent to develop low-cost commercial cathode materials. Among all cathode materials, Mn-based cathode materials, such as layered LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2 and Li-rich materials, spinel LiMn2O4 and LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4, olivine-type LiMnPO4 and LiMn0.5Fe0.5PO4, stand out owing to their low cost and high energy density. Herein, from the perspective of industrial application, we calculate the product cost of Mn-based cathode materials, select promising candidates with low cost per Wh, and summarize the structural and electrochemical properties and improvement strategies of these low-cost Mn-based cathode materials. Apart from some common issues for Mn-based cathode materials, such as Jahn–Teller distortions and Mn dissolution, we point out the specific problems of each material and provide corresponding improvement strategies to overcome these drawbacks.