Nanostructured LiMn2O4 and their composites as high-performance cathodes for lithium-ion batteries

Improvement of the energy density and power density of the lithium-ion batteries is urgently required with the rapid development of electric vehicles and portable electronic devices. The spinel LiMn2O4 is one of the most promising cathode materials due to its low cost, nontoxicity, and improved safety compared with commercial LiCoO2. Developing nanostructured electrode materials represents one of the most attractive strategies to dramatically enhance battery performance, such as capacity, rate capability and cycling life. Currently, extensive efforts have been devoted to developing nanostructured LiMn2O4 and LiMn2O4/carbon nanocomposites to further improve the rate capability of lithium-ion batteries for high-power applications. In this paper, recent progress in developing nanostructured LiMn2O4 and LiMn2O4/carbon nanocomposites is reviewed, and the benefits to the electrochemical performance of LiMn2O4-based cathodes by using these electrode materials are also discussed.