Glycine/sucrose-based solution combustion synthesis of high-purity LiMn2O4 with improved yield as cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries

Single-phase, high-purity nanosized LiMn2O4 powders, which are employed as cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries, were produced by solution combustion synthesis using glycine, sucrose, and nitrate, followed by calcination. Phase structure and morphology of the powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The electrochemical performance was measured by galvanostatic charge–discharge cycling in a voltage range of 3.2–4.4 V. The analysis of yield, morphology, and electrochemical performance mainly focused on the influence of different glycine/sucrose ratios. Compared to the sample obtained using 100% glycine, the yields of powders obtained by adding sucrose to the fuel were remarkably improved, from around 50% to over 90%. The highest discharge capacity at 1 C was obtained for the sample with 2% added sucrose, which retained a capacity of 116.6 mAh/g after 80 cycles.

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