Al-doped LiMn2O4 single crystalline nanorods with enhanced elevated-temperature electrochemical performance via a template-engaged method as a cathode material for lithium ion batteries

Abstract

Al-doped LiMn₂O₄ single crystalline nanorods have been synthesized using β-MnO₂ nanorods as a self-template. The structure and morphology of the as-prepared products were investigated by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). Galvanostatic charge/discharge tests indicate that the Al-doped single crystalline spinel nanorods (corresponding to LiAl_0.1Mn_1.9O₄) deliver a discharge capacity of 107 mA h g⁻¹ at 0.5 C (1 C = 140 mA h g⁻¹) at room temperature, and about 70% of their initial capacity can remain after 500 charge/discharge cycles with a current rate of 3 C at 50 °C. Furthermore, high crystallinity, single-crystalline nature and nanorod morphology can be well retained after 500 electrochemical cycles with a 3 C current rate at 50 °C, revealing the excellent structure stability.