Improved performance of LiMn2O4 cathode materials for lithium ion batteries by gold coating

Spinel lithium manganese oxide has been synthesized by high temperature solid-state reaction, and coated with gold nano-film by ion sputtering method. The nano-film coated LiMn2O4 shows better electrochemical performance than the unmodified one. According to electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis, the improvement of capacity retention is attributed to reduced contact area of electrode/electrolyte interface and suppressed dissolution of manganese during electrochemical cycling.