Synthesis and structural stability of Li sub(2.1)Mn sub(0.9)[PO sub(4)] sub(0.1)[SiO sub(4)] sub(0.9)/C mixed polyanion cathode material for Li-ion battery

Li sub(2)MnSiO sub(4)/C nanocomposites have been successfully prepared by a two-step method to accurately control the formation of the orthorhombic Pmnb phase, and phosphate substitution is used to improve the electrochemical performance of this cathode material. The structure and electrochemical properties are investigated using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope and electrochemical tests. The crystal structure of this material is confirmed to be Pmnb polymorph and the average grain size is about 80-100 nm. The electrochemical tests indicate that Li sub(2.1)Mn sub(0.9)[PO sub(4)] sub(0.1)[SiO sub(4)] sub(0.9)/C nanocomposites deliver a discharge specific capacity of 216.9 mAh.g super(-1) after initial activation and it shows much enhanced electrochemical performance compared with Li sub(2)MnSiO sub(4)/C nanocomposites. Furthermore, the XRD patterns, HRTEM images and Raman analysis reveal the crystal structural changes of the two samples during cycling. Thus, this material has shown potential for high power applications in Li-ion batteries.