Molten Salt Combustion Synthesis of LiMn₂O₄ at 600°C: the Effect of Calcination Time

Abstract

Spinel LiMn2O4 were prepared by a molten salt combustion method at 600°C. The phase composition of the products was investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the electrochemical performance was tested by a coin-type self battery. XRD results presented that the purity and the crystallinity of the products increased with extending calcining time. Single phase LiMn2O4 could be prepared at 600°C for 6 and 12h. The ratio of lithium/manganese also affected the phase compositions of the products. The purity and crystallinity of the product with the molar ratio of Li/Mn=1.1/2 were higher than these of the product with the molar ratio of Li/Mn=1.05/2. The performance tests indicated that the electrochemical performance of the product prepared at 600°C for 6h is the best. The initial discharge capacity was 112.8mAh/g, and after 20 cycles, the capacity retention is 81.8%. The product with Li/Mn=1.1/2 had better electrochemical performance than the product with Li/Mn=1.05/2.