Enhanced cycling properties and better rate capabilities of Al-doped LiMn₂O₄ nanorods and nanospheres

The paper reports a facile synthesis of Al-doped LiMn₂O₄ nanorods and the oleic-acid-treated LiMn₂O₄ nanospheres without the use of MnO₂ as templates in a single step solution combustion process. The as synthesized pristine LiMn₂O₄, LiMn_1.6Al_0.4O₄ nanorods and LiMn_1.6Al_0.4O₄ nanospheres are characterized for the structural and morphological characteristics by using x-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and field effect scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The LiMn₂O₄ pristine sample and Al-doped LiMn₂O₄ nanorods and nanospheres have been explored as lithium ion battery cathodes. The results reveal the enhanced structural and electrochemical properties of the samples with the Al-doping. The oleic acid treated sample shows the best cycling properties and higher rate capabilities even at large discharge current rates of up to 2000 mA g⁻¹. (paper)