Low-Temperature Synthesis of Improved LiMn₂O₄ by a Modified Solution Combustion Synthesis

Abstract

Pure and highly crystalline spinel LiMn2O4 has been successfully prepared by a modified solution combustion synthesis (MSC) method at 400oC for 5h, while strong Mn2O3 impurity is present in the product prepared by conventional solution combustion synthesis (CSC) method on the same conditions. The particle size of LiMn2O4 prepared by MSC method is about 200 nm with a uniformly distribution. Electrochemical tests indicate that the LiMn2O4 prepared by MSC method exhibits a higher capacity, better cycle life and better rate capability than that of prepared by CSC method. It is proved that some disadvantages (such as low purity and bad crystallinity) of CSC method at low temperature can be improved efficiently by MSC method.