A novel polyaspartate precursor method for the synthesis of LiCayMn2?yO4 nanoparticles for Li-ion batteries

Cubic spinel LiCayMn2?yO4 nanoparticles were synthesized using nitrates of Li+, Ca2+ and acetate of Mn2+ with aspartic acid as a polymerizable combustion fuel. They were dissolved in distilled water and then concentrated by heating to form a viscous resin which was transformed into a foam-like mass by drying at 120??C. Phase pure LiCayMn2?yO4 powders were obtained by combustion of these foams. The decomposition temperature of the polyaspartate precursor was investigated by TG/DTA analysis. The structural property of the synthesized LiCayMn2?yO4 powders was confirmed by x-ray diffraction studies. The average particle size of the synthesized powders was calculated from the x-ray data using the Scherrer equation. TEM analysis was also carried out to confirm the particle size and surface morphology of the synthesized LiCayMn2?yO4 powder. Finally, electrochemical charge?discharge studies were carried out by assembling 2016 type electrochemical button cells using carbon as the anode and the synthesized LiCayMn2?yO4 as the cathode with microporous polymer electrolyte.