Abstract

Synthesis of the layered lithium intercalation compound Li_xMn_1 − yNi_yO₂, with the O3 (α-NaFeO₂) structure is reported and it is shown to exhibit amongst the highest capacity to cycle lithium (charge) on intercalation/deintercalation (220 mA h g⁻¹ between potential limits of 2.4 to 4.8 V) of any such material and at a relatively high charge/discharge rate; the ion exchange conditions used in the synthesis have an important influence on the defect chemistry of the host structure and this in turn influences the performance of the compound as an electrode in rechargeable lithium batteries.