Growth behavior of LiMn2O4 particles formed by solid-state reactions in air and water vapor

•A new strategy to control the morphology of LiMn2O4 particles is proposed.•Water vapor-induced particle growth is exploited in solid-state reactions.•The microstructural evolution of LiMn2O4 particles is investigated.•The shape, size and microstructure can be controlled by solid-state reactions.

Morphology control of particles formed during conventional solid-state reactions without any additives is a challenging task. Here, we propose a new strategy to control the morphology of LiMn2O4 particles based on water vapor-induced growth of particles during solid-state reactions. We have investigated the synthesis and microstructural evolution of LiMn2O4 particles in air and water vapor atmospheres as model reactions; LiMn2O4 is used as a low-cost cathode material for lithium-ion batteries. By using spherical MnCO3 precursor impregnated with LiOH, LiMn2O4 spheres with a hollow structure were obtained in air, while angulated particles with micrometer sizes were formed in water vapor. The pore structure of the particles synthesized in water vapor was found to be affected at temperatures below 700 °C. We also show that the solid-state reaction in water vapor is a simple and valuable method for the large-scale production of particles, where the shape, size, and microstructure can be controlled.

Graphical abstractThis study has demonstrated a new strategy towards achieving morphology control without the use of additives during conventional solid-state reactions by exploiting water vapor-induced particle growth.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide