In Situ TEM Observation of (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni)₃O₄ High-Entropy Spinel Oxide Formation During Calcination at Atomic Scale

High-entropy oxides (HEOs) are promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), owing to their stable crystal structure, superionic conductivity, and high capacity. In this study, the (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni)(3)O-4 HEO via solid-state reaction is prepared. To improve the synthetic efficiency, it is necessary to understand the formation mechanism. Therefore, a high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) is used to record information during calcination at increasing temperature. The overall formation process included MnO2 and NiO aggregation at 500 degrees C, followed by (Mn, and Ni)(3)O-4 combined with Co3O4 at 600 degrees C to form (Mn, Co, and Ni)(3)O-4. At higher temperatures, Fe2O3 and Cr2O3 sequentially combined with (Mn, Co, and Ni)(3)O-4 and formed the (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni)(3)O-4 at 900 degrees C. In addition, the valence-state-changing mechanisms and ion arrangements of (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni)(3)O-4 are determined using electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS). This study successfully revealed the formation of HEO at atomic scale. The results provide valuable insights for improving the manufacturing process of (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni)(3)O-4 HEOs, which is expected to play a vital role in the development of anode materials for next-generation LIBs.