A Novel Fabrication Technique for Producing Dense Li[Ni[sub x]Li[sub (1∕3–2x∕3)]Mn[sub (2∕3−x∕3)]]O[sub 2], 0≤x≤1∕2

Using a novel synthesis technique similar to the Columbite method, we have prepared materials from the series , , with high density and average particle size greatly in excess of , without the aid of a sintering agent. The structure of precursors, as a function of temperature and composition, was studied in detail. These materials phase-separate into mixed oxides at approximately for most compositions, but compositions with convert to single-phase spinel upon further heating. This allows for the production of a single-phase precursor with a homogeneous cation distribution and large particle size and density. By reacting these mixed-metal oxide spinel precursors with , we have prepared dense materials without heating over . These dense materials will allow production of electrodes for advanced -ion cells with greater volumetric energy density.