Effects of metal ion sources on synthesis and electrochemical performance of spinel LiMn₂O₄ using tartaric acid gel process

The effect of lithium and manganese ions on the synthesis, phase purity, and electrochemical properties of tartaric acid gel processed lithium manganese oxide spinel were investigated. The poor bonding between both lithium and manganese ions with tartaric acid was shown by the FT-IR analysis when lithium nitrate and/or manganese nitrate were used as sources. Li₂MnO₃ and Mn₂O₃ impurities formed in addition to lithium manganese oxides when nitrate salts were used as the sources. When acetate salts were used as sources for the lithium and manganese ions, single-phase LiMn₂O₄ was obtained. These results indicate that homogeneous bonding between acetate salt and tartaric acid was formed. The capacity of single-phase LiMn₂O₄ calcined at 500°C was 117 mAh/g which was much higher than those containing Mn₂O₃ and Li₂MnO₃ impurity compounds. Thus, sources of lithium and manganese ions play an important role in the synthesis and electrochemical behaviors of lithium manganese oxide spinel.