Unravelling the Structure and Electrochemical Performance of Li–Cr–Mn–O Cathodes: From Spinel to Layered

To explore a new series of cathode materials with high electrochemical performance, the spinel–layered (1 – x)[LiCrMnO4]·x[Li2MnO3·LiCrO2] (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1) composites are synthesized with the sol–gel method. X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, and Raman spectra reveal that the structure of the (1 – x)[LiCrMnO4]·x[Li2MnO3·LiCrO2] cathode materials evolves from spinel to hybrid spinel–layered and layered structures with the increase of the Li concentration. Test results reveal that the structure and electrochemical performance of (1 – x)[LiCrMnO4]·x[Li2MnO3·LiCrO2] (x = 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75) composites have the characteristics of both spinel (x = 0) and Li-rich layered phases (x = 1). In particular, x = 0.5 and 0.75 electrodes exhibit relatively high capacity retention and rate capability, which is mainly ascribed to the synergistic effect of the spinel and Li-rich layered phases, the 3D Li-ion diffusion channels of the spinel phase, and the low charge-transfer resistance (Rct) and Warburg diffusion impedance (Wo).