Probing cation intermixing in Li2SnO3

Abstract

Li₂MnO₃ holds great promise as a key component for lithium-manganese-rich oxides as high-capacity and high-energy-density cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries. However, its structural complexity remains an unresolved puzzle, hindering the further development of this class of cathode materials. In this work, the structure of Li₂SnO₃ was investigated as a model of Li₂MnO₃. Specifically, the structural evolution of materials during the solid-state synthesis of Li₂SnO₃ was studied using in situ high-energy X-ray diffraction. It was confirmed that Li₂SnO₃ with a C2/c structure was formed using the solid-state process. However, the severe intralayer intermixing between Li and Sn was found to lead to several weakening or vanishing reflection peaks.