Synthesis and characterization of LiMn2O4 powders by the combustion-assisted sol–gel technique

Abstract LiMn 2 O 4 powders were prepared by heating the ignited LiMn 2 O 4 precursor gel using lithium acetate, manganese acetate, citric acid and glycol as starting materials. The influence of synthesis conditions on the structural and electrochemical properties of LiMn 2 O 4 was investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and charge–discharge experiments. The powders prepared under different conditions are of good crystallinity. The particle size, lattice parameter and the discharge capacity of LiMn 2 O 4 powders increase with the increase of calcination temperature and calcination time. Except for the powder calcined at 750 °C for 1 h, the powders prepared under other conditions show similar cycling behavior.