Enhanced cycling properties and better rate capabilities of Al-doped LiMn2O4 nanorods and nanospheres

Abstract

The paper reports a facile synthesis of Al-doped LiMn2O4 nanorods and the oleic-acid-treated LiMn2O4 nanospheres without the use of MnO2 as templates in a single step solution combustion process. The as synthesized pristine LiMn2O4, LiMn1.6Al0.4O4 nanorods and LiMn1.6Al0.4O4 nanospheres are characterized for the structural and morphological characteristics by using x-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and field effect scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The LiMn2O4 pristine sample and Al-doped LiMn2O4 nanorods and nanospheres have been explored as lithium ion battery cathodes. The results reveal the enhanced structural and electrochemical properties of the samples with the Al-doping. The oleic acid treated sample shows the best cycling properties and higher rate capabilities even at large discharge current rates of up to 2000 mA g−1.