Electrochemical properties of nanometer-sized 0.6Li2MnO3·0.4LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2 composite powders prepared by flame spray pyrolysis

Nanometer-sized 0.6Li2MnO3·0.4LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2 composite cathode powders are prepared directly by high-temperature flame spray pyrolysis. The precursor powders and the powders post-treated at 800 °C exhibit mixed-layered crystal structures comprising layered Li2MnO3 and layered LiNi0.5Mn0.5O2 phases. The discharge capacity of the precursor powders decreased from 193 mAh g−1 to 96 mAh g−1 by the 9th cycle, corresponding to a capacity retention of 49.7%. Post-treatment at 800 °C increases the capacity retention of the post-treated composite powders to 94.6% after 50 cycles, corresponding to a decrease in the discharge capacity from 225 to 213 mAh g−1. The post-treated composite powders that contain a high amount of the Li2MnO3 phase have a high initial discharge capacity and good cyclability.