A sustainable δ-MnO₂ derived from Amazon rainforest Mn-ore tailings for applications in lithium-ion batteries

Abstract

The transition to net-zero emissions by 2050 necessitates the development of sustainable and efficient energy storage systems to complement the rise in renewable energy generation. Lithium-ion batteries (LiBs) are pivotal in this energy transformation, yet challenges remain in developing sustainable, high-performance materials. Manganese oxides (MnOₓ) are promising candidates for LiBs anodes due to their abundance and high theoretical capacity. However, the commercial synthesis of MnOₓ materials is resource-intensive, and the mining processes generate large amounts of environmentally hazardous tailings. In this study, we propose a novel method to recover manganese from mining tailings in the Brazilian Amazon and synthesize δ-MnO₂ as a high-capacity conversion anode material for LIBs. Using a green recovery method involving KOH and H₂O₂, we extracted potassium manganate (K₂MnO₄) from the tailings with a recovery efficiency of 90.3 %,and synthesized δ-MnO₂. The prepared material showed promising electrochemical properties, demonstrating its potential as a sustainable alternative to commercially available manganese oxides. This process not only offers a way to mitigate the environmental risks posed by manganese mining tailings but also provides an economically viable solution for producing high-performance battery materials. The developed methodology can be applied to other manganese-bearing residues and low-grade ores, contributing to the growing demand for battery-grade manganese in a sustainable and circular manner.