Structural stability of LiMn2O4 electrodes for lithium batteries

The structural stability of LiMn2O4, which is of interest as an insertion electrode for rechargeable lithium batteries, is discussed with respect to processing techniques, composition, Li-Mn-O phase diagram, and electrochemical behavior. Particular attention is paid to processing conditions that result in the formation of lithium-manganese-oxide spinel products in which Mn2+ ions partially occupy the tetrahedral sites of the spinel structure. The electrochemical behavior of electron-beam and r.f. magnetron sputtered thin-film electrodes suggests the existence of partially inverse Li1 − xMn2O4 spinel structures during an initial charge to 5.3 V.