Operando XAS of manganese hexacyanoferrate cathode for Li- and Na-ion batteries

The project is aimed to study the physico-chemical state and the local structure modifications of manganese hexacyanoferrate as cathode for Li batteries by XAS technique. As already largely shown by the recent literature in the field, Prussian Blue analogs (PBAs) may play an important role in the field, as a cathode material for rechargeable batteries. Ex-situ samples (lithiated electrodes) have been measured as reference materials. In addition, the use of the operando mode is mandatory for the thorough comprehension of the structural mechanism of Li insertion and release processes in the structure. In particular, the XANES has allowed monitoring the electronic changes associated with the oxidation state of Mn and Fe making unambiguously clear which metal is responsible of the redox activity in the cell