Synthesis of one-dimensional spinel LiMn2O4 nanostructures as a positive electrode in lithium ion battery

Abstract

This paper presents the synthesis of one-dimensional spinel LiMn 2O4 nanostructures using a facile and scalable two-step process. LiMn2O4 nanorods with average diameter of 100 nm and length of 1.5 ?m have been prepared by solid-state lithiation of hydrothermally synthesized β-MnO2 nanorods. LiMn 2O4 nanowires with diameter of 10 nm and length of several micrometers have been fabricated via solid-state lithiation of β-MnO 2 nanowires. The precursors have been lithiated with LiOH and reaction temperature and pressure have been controlled. The complete structural transformation to cubic phase and the maintenance of 1-D nanostructure morphology have been evaluated by XRD, SEM, and TEM analysis. The size distribution of the spinel LiMn2O4 nanorods/wires has been similar to the MnO2 precursors. By control of reaction pressure, cubic 1-D spinel LiMn2O4 nanostructures have been fabricated from tetragonal MnO2 precursors even below 500°C.