Template synthesis and lithium storage performances of hollow spherical LiMn2O4 cathode materials

Abstract

Hollow-structured LiMn2O4 microspheres were successfully prepared via a template strategy, in which xMnCO3·yCaCO3 spheres, obtained by a co-precipitation method, served as hard templates for synthesizing hollow spherical LiMn2O4 cathode materials. The effects of Ca2+/Mn2+ ratio of raw materials on the morphology and electrochemical performances of the resultant LiMn2O4 were investigated. SEM results indicated that the LiMn2O4 sample prepared at a Ca2+/Mn2+ ratio of 3:2 exhibited a well formed hollow spherical morphology with minor collapse in the structure, thus enabling larger capacity (125mAhg−1 at 1C), higher rate capability (94.4mAhg−1 at 5C), and better cycling stability (90% capacity retention after 100 cycles) compared to other LiMn2O4 samples. This template method provides a viable and inexpensive route to mass production of LiMn2O4-based cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries.