Synthesis of Spinel LiMn[sub 2]O[sub 4] by a Hydrothermal Process in Supercritical Water with Heat-Treatment

Spinel cathode material for rechargeable lithium batteries was prepared by using a hydrothermal process in supercritical water at 400°C. The hydrothermal conditions were first optimized to obtain a single phase of spinel For preparation of a single phase of an addition of to the precursor solution was effective, and the prepared sample exhibited 80 mAh g −1 . This discharge capacity was smaller than the theoretical one. A following heat-treatment in air atmosphere was carried out in order to improve electrochemical performance of By the heat-treatment at 800°C, both particle size and crystallinity of were increased. This sample exhibited a discharge capacity of 130 mAh g −1 and stable charge-discharge cycle behavior. © 2005 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.