Electrochemical performance of LaF3-coated LiMn2O4 cathode materials for lithium ion batteries

Cycle performance of spinel LiMn2O4 at elevated temperature is greatly improved by surface modification of LaF3. [Display omitted] ► LaF3-coated spinel LiMn2O4 was prepared by a chemical deposition method. ► Spinel LiMn2O4 powders are covered by nanoparticles of LaF3. ► This coated sample exhibits much better cycle performance than bare LiMn2O4. ► The dissolution of Mn from LiMn2O4 decreases greatly with the help of LaF3 coating. ► LaF3-coated LiMn2O4 shows lower charge transfer resistance than bare LiMn2O4. The cycle performance of spinel LiMn2O4 at 25 and 55°C is improved by LaF3 modification via a chemical deposition method. The physical and electrochemical performances of pristine and LaF3-coated LiMn2O4 cathode materials are investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electrochemical measurements. The coated LiMn2O4 with 2.92wt% LaF3 (LaF3-3-LMO) displays capacity retentions of 90.1% and 84.2% at 25 and 55°C, respectively, after 100 cycles, much higher than those of pristine LiMn2O4, 72.7% and 54.8%. The concentration of manganese dissolved from LaF3-3-LMO in electrolyte is much lower than that from pristine LiMn2O4. The analysis of AC impedance indicates that the charge transfer resistance (Rct) and the increase of Rct for LaF3-3-LMO during cycling are much lower than those for pristine LiMn2O4. The significantly improved electrochemical performance of the LaF3-coated LiMn2O4 can be attributed to the reduction of manganese dissolution in electrolyte and charge transfer resistance with the help of LaF3 coating.