Synthesis of Li2Mn1−xNixSiO4/C nanocomposites with enhanced electrochemical properties via citric acid assisted sol-gel method

Li2Mn1−xNixSiO4/C (x=0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, and 0.08) nanocomposites were successfully prepared by a citric acid assisted sol-gel method. The physical properties and electrochemical performance test results showed that substituting part of Mn2+ with Ni2+ was effective in reducing the agglomeration phenomenon, decreasing the particle size, and enhancing the electrochemical properties. In particular, Li2Mn0.94Ni0.06SiO4/C delivered the highest initial discharge capacity of about 182.9mAhg−1 at 0.1C, which was related to the decreased charge transfer resistance and enhanced lithium ion diffusion for Ni-doped samples. [Display omitted] •A citric acid assisted sol-gel method is used to prepare Li2MnSiO4/C material.•Uniform spherical particles with size of 20–50nm have porous microstructure.•The Li2Mn0.94Ni0.06SiO4/C cathode material shows better cycle and rate stability.•The initial discharge capacity of 182.9mAhg−1can be obtained at 0.1C.