The Temperature Effect on the Electrochemical Performance of Sulfur-Doped LiMn2O4 in Li-Ion Cells

Nanomaterials (Basel). 2019 Dec 5;9(12):1722. doi: 10.3390/nano9121722.

Abstract

The application of modified spinel materials in commercial systems relates to the verification of their parameters under different conditions. Hence, in this study, the influence of temperature on the electrochemical behavior of sulfur-doped spinel (LiMn2O3.97S0.03), with reference to stoichiometric spinel (LiMn2O4), was investigated. The electrochemical characteristics of Li-ion cells based on the fabricated spinels were investigated using galvanostatic charge-discharge tests (GCDT), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results show that introducing sulfur into the spinel structure improves the electrochemical properties at each of the studied temperatures (3, 22 and 61 °C). LiMn2O3.97S0.03 exhibits higher specific capacities, enhanced diffusivity and charge-discharge rates (particularly at low temperatures), and much better cycling stability, regardless of the testing conditions. Our research proves that an S-doping system is a better alternative to LiMn2O4 in the context of working parameters, while maintaining environmental friendliness and low manufacturing costs.

Keywords: Li-ion battery; harsh conditions; spinel-based cathode material; temperature dependence.