Size controlled synthesis of Li2MnSiO4 nanoparticles: Effect of calcination temperature and carbon content for high performance lithium batteries

Abstract

Size controlled, nanoparticulate Li2MnSiO4 cathodes were successfully prepared by sol-gel route. Effects of calcination temperature and carbon content (adipic acid) were studied during synthesis process. EPR study was conducted to ensure the formation of phase through oxidation state of manganese. Microscopic pictures indicate spherical shape morphology of the synthesized Li2MnSiO4 nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopic pictures confirmed the presence of carbon coating on the surface of the particles. Further, the optimization has been performed based on phase purity and its battery performance. From the optimization, 700°C and 0.2mol adipic acid (against total metal ion present in the compound) were found better conditions to achieve high performance material. The Li2MnSiO4 nanoparticles prepared in the aforementioned conditions exhibited an initial discharge capacity of ∼113mAhg-1 at room temperature in Li/1M LiPF6 in EC:DMC/Li2MnSiO4 cell configuration. All the Li2MnSiO4 nanoparticles prepared at various conditions experienced the capacity fade during cycling.