Porous LiMn2O4nanorods with durable high-rate capability for rechargeable Li-ion batteries

Abstract

In this paper, we demonstrated the preparation and application of porous LiMn₂O₄ nanorods as cathode materials for rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. Solid-state lithiation of porous Mn₂O₃ nanorods, resulting from thermal decomposition of MnC₂O₄ precursor, led to the formation of porous LiMn₂O₄ nanorods with high crystallinity and phase purity. Without surface modification, the as-synthesized porous nanorods exhibited superior high-rate capability and cyclability to the counterpart nonporous nanorods and nanoparticles. An initial discharge capacity of 105 mAh g⁻¹ could be delivered at 10 C rate, and capacity retention of about 90% was obtained after 500 cycles at this high rate. The durable high-rate capability was attributed to the unique porous one-dimensional (1D) nanostructure that gave rise to fast Li-intercalation kinetics and good structural stability for the spinel electrodes. The beneficial gains from 1D porous nanoarchitecture may enlighten the design and construction of new spinel-based electrode for high power applications.