Electrochemical Potential of Metal Oxide Inorganic Material for Energy Storage and Ion Transfer

Level of Education of Students Involved

Undergraduate

Faculty Sponsor

Paul Smith

College

College of Arts & Sciences (CAS)

Discipline(s)

Chemistry

Presentation Type

Poster Presentation

Symposium Date

Spring 4-30-2026

Abstract

Manganese oxides and their behavior as thermochemical systems are unique because they have the potential to store energy because they have the ability to facilitate redox reactions through alkali ion transport. Understanding the performance, stability, and conditions under which these new types of materials can be utilized is based on the different forms of interaction that exist between the manganese oxide frameworks and the alkali ions exchange. This project explores three distinct phases of lithium manganese oxide (LiMnO₂) polymorphs (o-LiMnO₂, t-LiMnO₂, and m-LiMnO₂). The orthorhombic, tetragonal, and monoclinic phases were synthesized and compared with sodium manganese oxide systems to investigate the effects of crystal structure and alkali ion identity on material properties. Different solid-state synthesis techniques were used to facilitate the formation of the desired phase and minimize impurity levels in the final product, such as heating to 700℃, lithium concentration control, and heating in N₂ (g) environment to prevent oxygen reduction. All three of these LiMnO₂ polymorphs were confirmed to exist using XRF and RAMAN techniques. Final products exhibited various degrees of purity based on their respective chemical compositions and synthesis techniques. The comparative analysis indicated that Li-based manganese oxide compounds possess more favorable structural electrochemical properties than sodium based manganese oxide compounds because Na+ ions are larger than Li+ ions and more difficult to transport. The results of this study demonstrate how controlling the synthesis process and choosing the appropriate polymorphic phase are critical to optimizing manganese oxide materials for the eventual production of improved energy storage materials.

Biographical Information about Author(s)

Chris Fleschut: I am a Senior Biochemistry major and Mathematics minor. I began working on this project with Dr. Smith in August, 2025. I was interested in his work with electrocatalytic materials and their possible uses in batteries, specifically in medical technology like pacemakers. My future plans for post-undergrad is to work in an industrial lab or research lab focusing in Biochemistry or Material chemistry developing new materials or technologies.

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