Mass Production and Battery Properties of LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 Powders Prepared by Internal Combustion Type Spray Pyrolysis

Internal combustion type spray pyrolysis apparatus was used to prepare cathode materials for lithium ion batteries. Spherical LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 precursor powders with an average size of about 2 m were successfully produced by this technique. After calcination at 800°C, LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 precursor powders crystallized to a spinel structure. The spherical morphology changed to an irregular morphology at temperatures higher than 900°C. The discharge capacity of the LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 cathode was 130 mAh/g at 1C. After 300 cycles at 1C, 90% of the initial discharge capacity was maintained, and after 100 cycles at 6C, 70% of the discharge capacity at 1C was maintained.