An attempt to improve electrical conductivity of the pyrolysed carbon-LiMn 2O 4− yS y (0 ≤ y ≤ 0.5) composites

Abstract

An attempt to obtain conductive carbon layer (CCL) on the LiMn 2O 4 and LiMn 2O 4− y S y spinels, using the radical precipitation polymerization of acrylonitrile (AN) and styrene–acrylonitrile (SAN) in water suspension of the spinels followed, by pyrolysis of the composed precursors was made. In the case of PAN–spinel precursors the CCL on spinel particles was effectively formed. Phase transitions, as well as thermal and electrical properties of the carbon-sulphided spinel composites were characterized. An attempt with SAN copolymer failed due to the reaction between SAN and the spinels during pyrolysis, even in the argon stream.