Angeletti, L.; Agostini, M.; Figueira, B.A.M.; Latini, A.; Paris, E.C.; De Giorgio, F.; Schultz, T.; Di Conzo, C.; Mura, F.; Rossi, M.; Yadav, N.G.; Adelhelm, P.; Mazzei, F.; Brutti, S.; Quaranta, S.: A sustainable δ-MnO derived from Amazon rainforest Mn-ore tailings for applications in lithium-ion batteries. Sustainable Materials and Technologies 44 (2025), p. e01347/1-9
10.1016/j.susmat.2025.e01347
Open Access Version
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.