Lithium-ion transport through a tailored disordered phase on the LiNi0.5 Mn1.5 O4 surface for high-power cathode materials

Abstract

The phase control of spinel LiNi0.5 Mn1.5 O4 was achieved through surface treatment that led to an enhancement of its electrochemical properties. Li(+) diffusion inside spinel LiNi0.5 Mn1.5 O4 could be promoted by modifying the surface structure of LiNi0.5 Mn1.5 O4 through phosphidation into a disordered phase (Fd3m) that allows facile Li(+) transport. Phosphidated LiNi0.5 Mn1.5 O4 showed a significantly enhanced electrochemical performance, even at high rates exceeding 10 C, demonstrating that the improved kinetics (related to the amount of Mn(3+) ) can render LiNi0.5 Mn1.5 O4 competitive as a high-power cathode material for electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles.

Keywords: batteries; cathodes; lithium; spinels; surface analysis.