Origin of unusual spinel-to-layered phase transformation by crystal water.

ABSTRACT: It is well known that many layered transition metal oxides can transform into a spinel structure upon repeated battery cycling, but a phase transition in the opposite direction is rare. Recently, the transformation from spinel Mn3O4 to layered MnO2 was observed during the operation of a Mg battery in aqueous conditions, resulting in high performance Mg batteries. We hereby use ab initio calculations to unveil the mechanism by which crystal water plays a critical role in this unique transformation. Once inserted into the spinel form, a water molecule donates an electron, offering a key structural and thermodynamic driving force to initiate the transformation process. These crystal water molecules then get favorably clustered into a planar form in the layered structure and act as a stabilizi

SUBMITTER: Yang E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5868318 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature