Synthesis, Characterization, and Electrochemical Analysis of the Cobalt Free Composite Cathode Material 0.5Li2MnO3-0.25LiMn2O4-0.25LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2 for Lithium Ion Batteries Applications

The inclusion of a spinel structure in the layered-layered composite cathode material is currently explored to enhance the cycling stability and electrochemical properties of lithium ion batteries. Li2MnO3 based composite cathodes are one of the most widely investigated positive electrodes due to their high discharge capacity and rate capability. In our studies, we have synthesized the cobalt-free layered-layered-spinel composite cathode material, 0.5Li2MnO3-0.25LiMn2O4-0.25LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2 (LLNMO), via the sol-gel method. The structure of the composition was characterized using XRD and Raman Spectroscopy in which peaks corresponding to the layered and spinel structures were identified. The morphology along with the elemental analysis were studied with SEM/EDX. The SEM images exhibited agglomerates with particle size in the nano range and the EDX analysis confirmed the presence of manganese, nickel and oxygen in the structure. The electrochemical performance was analyzed by charge/discharge studies (CD) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The composite cathode material showed high capacity retention and good cycle stability with a coulombic efficiency of 98%. The discussed results demonstrated that LLNMO is a promising cathode material for the next generation of Li-ion batteries.