Glycine-assisted combustion synthesis and electrochemical behavior of LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2 nanoparticles under microwave irradiation

Layered LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2 nanoparticles have been successfully prepared by the glycine-assisted combustion method under microwave irradiation. The exothermic reaction can generate a large quantity of heat rapidly leading to the formation and crystallization of LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2. From the X-ray diffraction and scanning electronic microscopy results, the resulting powders have a well-developed layered structure and average particle-size is about 80 nm. The chemical composition analysis and electrochemical characteristics of the obtained LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2 nanoparticles as cathode material for rechargeable lithium-ion battery were also investigated. The improved electrochemical performances of the layered LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2 nanoparticles might be ascribed to the nanostructure of the powders and the unique combustion synthesis under microwave irradiation.