Structure and properties of LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 synthesized by two-steps mixing assisted with sonochemical method.

LiMn1.5Ni0.5O4 samples for lithium-ion battery cathode materials were synthesized by two-step precursors mixing assisted with a sonochemical method. Lithium hydroxide, manganese acetate tetrahydrate, and nickel acetate tetrahydrate were used as the precursors. One and two-step precursor mixing was carried out using high-intensity ultrasonic Ti-horn (20 kHz, 750 watts) in distilled water. The one-step sample was prepared by mixing lithium hydroxide, manganese acetate tetrahydrate, and nickel acetate tetrahydrate together in a molar ratio of 2:3:1 in the distilled water and applying the sonification. While the two-step one was prepared by mixing manganese acetate and nickel acetate together in a molar ratio of 3:1 priorly, to obtain a mixed Ni-Mn oxide, and then lithium hydroxide powder was added into the dried mixture. After sufficiently drying at 150℃ the mixtures were then calcinated and sintered for 10 hours at 400 and 800℃, respectively. The sample structures were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), while the properties were analyzed using electrochemical measurements. The XRD results indicate that both synthesized LiNi0.5M1.5O4 samples have cubic spinel structures. The two-step sample has lower purity and conductivity. However, the charge and discharge properties show that the two-step sample has a lower specific capacity but higher cyclability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]