High rate carbon coated LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 as a positive electrode for Li-ion batteries

Abstract

Increase in the use of Li-ion batteries in portable electronics and hybrid electric vehicles demand tbe development of batleries with higher energy densities and power capabüities. This high energy density can be obtained either by developing higb capacity materials or high voltage materials. The ordered LiNio.5Mn1.5O4 spinel is a promising material due to high discharge voltage (around 4.7 V vs. Li+/Li couple) and comparable capacity (around 147mAh/g) to LiCoO2 and LiFePO4. Apart from high energy density, LiNi0.5Mn1.5O 4 is safe and less expensive as compared to otber cathode materials. In this work ordered spinel LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 was synthesized by solid state reaction. The as synthesized material around few microns shows exceUent electrochernical properties. It was then coated with highly conductive carbon using high energy milling.