Effect of Particle Size on Electrochemical Properties of LiMn2O4 Powders Prepared by Spray Pyrolysis Method

Lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2O4) powders have been synthesized by spray pyrolysis method from the precursor solution; LiNO3 and Mn;NO3)(2)center dot 6H(2)O were stoichiometrically dissolved into distilled water. The as-prepared powders exhibited a pure cubic spinel structure in the X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns for various precursor concentrations ranging front 0.045 to 0.9mol/L. While the geometric mean diameter of LiMn2O4 prepared at 0.045 mol/L was 0.57 mu m, the one prepared at 0.9 mol/L was 1.11 mu m. The as-prepared samples were used as cathode active materials for lithium batteries. Test experiments in the electrochemical cell Li vertical bar 1M LiClO4 in EC: DEC= 1:1 vertical bar LiMn2O4 were carried out for various charge-discharge rates at room temperature. The discharge capacity and rate capability of as-prepared samples were strongly affected by the particle size of LiMn2O4.