Chemical pre-lithiation of LiMn2O4 balances the low first cycle efficiency of silicon anodes

Abstract

Chemical pre-lithiation is carried out using lithium naphthalene to incorporate excess lithium into lithium manganese spinel (LiMn₂O₄). Pre-lithiated LiMn₂O₄ powder is collected and processed under ambient air conditions, demonstrating its seamless integration into current lithium-ion manufacturing. Precise control of the lithiation content in LiMn₂O₄ allows tuning of the first cycle efficiency, and when demonstrated in a full-cell configuration comprising a silicon anode, can achieve a projected specific energy of ∼216 W h kg⁻¹.