Mechanochemical/Solvothermal Synthesis of LiMn sub(2)O sub(4) as a Cathode Material for Rechargeable Batteries

Highly-crystallized fine LiMn sub(2)O sub(4) powders have been synthesized by a combination of the mechanochemical (MC) and solvothermal (ST) treatments of LiOH and MnO sub(2) in Acetone. The MC product is amorphous, but, shows the formation of Mn-O-LI bond. The ST post treatment promotes the nucleation of LiMn sub(2)O sub(4) by the chemical reduction of Mn super(4+) to Mn super(3+). The estimated chemical compositions are LiMn (III) sub(0.11)Mn (IV) sub(1.89)O sub(4.45)(MC) and LiMn (III) sub(0.76)Mn (IV) sub(1.12)O sub(3.88) (MC/ST). The MC/ST powder crystallized at 800[degrees]C indicates the cell capacity of 119mA.h.g super(-1). The dilution of Acetone with Tetrahydrofuran is effective to reduce the particle size. The MC/ST product using the diluent shows the fine particle size of 150nm and the excellent cell capacity of 134mA.h.g super(-1).