Synthesis of High Surface Area α-K_yMnO₂ Nanoneedles Using Extract of Broccoli as Bioactive Reducing Agent and...

With the aim to reduce the entire cost of lithium-ion batteries and to diminish the environmental impact, the extract of broccoli is used as a strong benign reducing agent for potassium permanganate to synthesize α-K_yMnO₂ cathode material with pure nanostructured phase. Material purity is confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction and thermogravimetric analyses. Images of transmission electron microscopy show samples with a spider-net shape consisting of very fine interconnected nanoneedles. The nanostructure is characterized by crystallite of 4.4 nm in diameter and large surface area of 160.7 m² g^-1. The material delivers an initial capacity of 211 mAh g^-1 with high Coulombic efficiency of 99% and 82% capacity retention after 100 cycles. Thus, α-K_yMnO₂ synthesized via a green process exhibits very promising electrochemical performance in terms of initial capacity, cycling stability and rate capability.