Synthesis and electrochemical properties of Sc-doped Li1.05ScxMn2−xO4 spinel as cathodic material for rechargeable Li-battery

A soft chemical process was used to synthesize the title Sc-doped Li1.05ScxMn2−xO4 spinel, which involves the combination of proper metal salts in aqueous solution and evaporation with the assistance of ethanol as additive. It was found that the spinel phase could be formed at a modest temperature as low as 400 °C. The powdered spinel samples were characterized by differential thermal analysis and thermogravimetery (DTA/TG) measurements, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry. The samples were evaluated as cathodic materials for secondary Li-battery exhibiting an improved reversibility and cycleablity, which was attributed to the addition of Sc (III) by stabilizing the spinel lattice.