Tailored synthesis of NdMnFeO perovskite nanoparticles with oxygen-vacancy defects for lithium-ion battery anodes.

In this study, we synthesize nanostructured NdMnFeO perovskites using a facile method to produce materials for the high-working-efficiency anodes of Li-ion batteries. A series of characterization assessments (e.g., X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electron microscopy) were conducted, and the results confirmed the efficacious partial replacement of Fe ions with Mn ions in the NdFeO perovskite structure, occurrence of both amorphous and crystalline structures, presence of oxygen vacancies (V), and interconnection between nanoparticles. The possibility of Mn ion replacement significantly affects the size, amount of V, and ratio of amorphous phase in NdMnFeO perovskites. The NdMnFeO perovskite with x = 0.3 presents a notable electrochemical performance, including low charge transfer resistance, durable Coulombic efficiency, first-rate capacity reservation, high pseudo-behavior, and elongated 150-cycle service life, whereas no discernible capacity deterioration is observed. The reversible capacity of the anode after the 150th-cylcle was 713 mAh g, which represents a high-capacity value. The outstanding electrochemical efficiency resulted from the optimum presence of V, interconnection between the nanoparticles, and distinctive properties of the NdFeO perovskite. The interconnection between nanoparticles was advantageous for forming a large electrolyte-electrode contact area, improving Li-ion diffusion rates, and enhancing pseudocapacitive effect. The attributes of perovskite crystals, coexistence of Mn and Fe throughout the charge/discharge process, and optimum V precluded the electrode devastation that caused the LiO-phase decomposition catalysis, enabling favorable reversible Li storage.