Template synthesis and lithium storage performances of hollow spherical LiMn2O4 cathode materials

Abstract Hollow-structured LiMn 2 O 4 microspheres were successfully prepared via a template strategy, in which x MnCO 3 · y CaCO 3 spheres, obtained by a co-precipitation method, served as hard templates for synthesizing hollow spherical LiMn 2 O 4 cathode materials. The effects of Ca 2+ /Mn 2+ ratio of raw materials on the morphology and electrochemical performances of the resultant LiMn 2 O 4 were investigated. SEM results indicated that the LiMn 2 O 4 sample prepared at a Ca 2+ /Mn 2+ ratio of 3:2 exhibited a well formed hollow spherical morphology with minor collapse in the structure, thus enabling larger capacity (125 mA h g −1 at 1 C), higher rate capability (94.4 mA h g −1 at 5 C), and better cycling stability (90% capacity retention after 100 cycles) compared to other LiMn 2 O 4 samples. This template method provides a viable and inexpensive route to mass production of LiMn 2 O 4 -based cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries.