Preparation and electrochemical properties of nanocrystalline LiBxMn2−xO4 cathode particles for Li-ion batteries by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis method

• B substituted spinel LiMn2O4 cathodes were prepared by spray pyrolysis method.
• Effects of boron content to the spinel structure were investigated.
• Formation of glassy phase expands the gap between charge–discharge potentials.
• LiB0.3Mn1.7O4 sample exhibits 92 mAh g−1 discharge capacity at 0.5 C rate.
• B–O bonding increases the structural stability against Li+ extraction/insertion.
• Stabilized spinel structure by boron substitution shows good cycling performance.

Nanocrystalline LiBxMn2−xO4 (x = 0.1–0.4) particles are prepared by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis using lithium nitrate, manganese nitrate and boric acid at 800 °C in an air atmosphere. The materials properties are characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic absorption spectroscopy. The electrochemical behaviors are investigated with cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic techniques. The particle characterization studies show that nanocrystalline particles have spinel structure of submicron size with spherical morphology. All boron substituted lithium manganese oxide spinels show improved cycling performance. Among them, LiB0.3Mn1.7O4 particles exhibit 92 mAh g−1 discharge capacity and 82% capacity retention after 50 cycles at a 0.5 C rate. The higher degree of atomic ordering and the avoidance of the formation of a glass phase in LiBxMn2−xO4 materials are responsible for the better electrochemical performance.