Hierarchical desert-waves-like LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 as advanced cathodes with superior rate capability and cycling stability

Abstract Inspired by the desert terrain, three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 desert-waves (LNMO-DW) composed of primary two-dimensional (2D) nanodiscs is synthesized via a template-free route. The 3D hierarchical LNMO-DW reveals good structural interconnectivity and extends infinitely in a wide area similar to the desert, thus triggering fast electrode kinetics and abundant electroactive zones by enabling multi-directional ionic/electronic transmissions. The rate capability and cycling stability of LNMO-DW are improved to a superior level compared to the control groups and other reported works, which proves that 3D hierarchical desert-waves-like structure is one of the optimal structures for LNMO cathodes. Its specific capacity reaches 130 mAh g−1 at 10 C after 200 cycles, together with capacity retention of 91%. Noticeably, even when cycling at the high rates of 15 and 20 C after 200 cycles, the discharge capacities are still up to 117 and 108 mAh g−1, respectively. The corresponding structural formation mechanisms and electrochemical principles have also been unraveled.