SnO2 Modification of Spherical Spinel LiMn2O4 Cathode Materials for Li-ion Batteries

Abstract

SnO2 modification of spherical spinel LiMn2O4 was attempted at first time to improve its electrochemical performance. The modification started with the preparation of spherical MnCO3, followed by pre-heating to produce spherical Mn2O3. The SnO2 modified spherical spinel LiMn2O4 was obtained by sintering of the mixture of spherical MnCO3, SnO2 and Li2CO3. The XRD analysis confirmed the existence of SnO2 phase and decrease of spinel lattice constant after the modification, indicating the doping of Sn in the spinel. The modified sample presented much better cycleability than that of un-modified sample. This paves a simple way to improve the electrochemical performance of spinel LiMn2O4.