Synthesis of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 nanofibers by electrospinning

This thesis explores a novel way of producing LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 nanofibers using the electrospinning method. This material is a candidate material for a new high-rate cathode for use in Lithium-ion batteries. Firstly the theoretical background was explored. Then a recipe to produce LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 by the sol-gel method was adapted to be able to produce the electrospun nanofibers. Furthermore different annealing processes have been proposed to anneal the LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 nanofibers without damaging the morphology. The morphology of the resulting samples was investigated using Scanning Electron Microscopy. The composition of the annealed material was determined by X-ray Diffraction. With this method it was found that it was possible to produce LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 nanofibers using the proposed recipe. However, it was found that the annealing process needs improvement, because thick samples are not annealed properly. Also, the XRD spectra showed that there was a second phase, probably consisting of LiOH � H2O and Li2O. Still a lot of work has to be done before electrospun LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cathodes can be used in Lithium-ion batteries.