Synergistic effect for the preparation of LiMn2O4 microspheres with high electrochemical performance

Under the synergistic promotion of chemical reactions, MnO2 microspheres are successfully prepared using MnCO3 precursor as self-template, with maximum use of the raw materials, and are then converted into spinel LiMn2O4 microspheres via a solid-state reaction. When applied as cathode materials for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, the LiMn2O4 microspheres deliver a discharge capacity of 133.2 mA h g(-1) and 109.8 mA h g(-1) at 0.1 C and 10 C rates, respectively. More than 91.3% of the initial storage capacity is maintained after 1000 cycles at a 1 C charge and 10 C discharge rate. Furthermore, even when cycled at elevated temperature (55 degrees C) at a 1 C charge and 10 C discharge rate, this material showes 86.2% capacity retention after 100 cycles, which reveals a high reversible capacity, superior rate capability and excellent cycling stability under high rates both at room temperature and high temperature. The performance is comparable to the best results shown in the literature so far. This structured LiMn2O4 microspheres in the present work are very promising for large-scale commercialization of high-power lithium ion batteries.